District 87 looks to combat bullying with new policy

Posted on February 26, 2015

A new policy hopes to put an end to bullying among students. (WJBC File Photo)

By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – Social media has created a new breed of bullying, and District 87 is looking to prevent it from spreading to their students. Superintendent Barry Reilly introduced a new anti-bullying policy at Wednesday night's board meeting that doesn't necessarily bring new procedures, but will examine the dangers of cyber bullying.

"The internet can provide some anonymity sometimes, and you can't take it back," Reilly said. "Once it's out there, it's out there, and that presents some additional challenges. So when those things are presented to us, we take them very seriously and we investigate them."

Reilly said the policy changes the way the District handles posts on Facebook that may put students in danger.

"We can act on situations that weren't made during school time but still have potential to bring a negative impact in school that hasn't happened yet," said Reilly. "It's a much more proactive system."

While bullying isn't a major concern in District 87 schools, Reilly said more work can always be done.

"Things have improved over time," Reilly said. "I think you can attribute that to some of the programs that we have in place. Positive behaviors, interventions and supports, and several others have been going on for several years in our schools. We have seen a decrease in office referrals for all kinds of behaviors, not just bullying."

A possible addition under the new policy would be an anonymous bullying hotline that students could call to report bullying concerns. The policy must be implemented by April 15th.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].

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