Greendale Bullying Task Force releases report

GREENDALE -- The Greendale Bullying Task Force released a major report on Friday, December 21st, identifying three areas they say the community should focus on.

In the fall, a student made a bomb threat at the high school.

He said it was related to being bullied at school.

So the task force, comprised of students, teachers, parents, administrators and community leaders, got to work.

According to a statement released by Superintendent John Tharp, "Based on its findings, the Task Force identified three areas of focus: a parent and community education program, a student-led culture and climate program, and a staff development program."

Judy Fons is a former School Board President, teacher and parent of the district.

As a member of the task force, she said the biggest battle facing parents and schools is the internet.

"That is the hardest thing that as a task force we weren't real sure and I don't think anyone is, how you can stop the social media problem," Fons said.

And because most kids have constant access to the internet, Fons says schools and parents have to start talking to kids about bullying at a much younger age.

She said, "Even I wasn't real sure about first grade. But then it all came to light when these kids say I want my own iPad or computer."

According to the report, Greendale teachers are already trained to deal with bullying, but the training should be reinforced.

The district also created a way for students to report bullying anonymously online. And they may also develop programs where students can mentor their peers.