Raised awareness about the effects of bullying has spurred new action and approaches at Benjamin Stoddart Middle School. According to Principal David Curry, the Prince George’s County school has reduced bullying by 20 percent, in part thanks to increased student awareness and follow-up. “If [bullying]is reported — [the incident]should be able to receive a document number. And through our SchoolMax portal, parents can actually check that system to make sure it’s reported and monitor the follow-up,” Curry says.
Part of this system requires that students be the ones to bring up bullying incidents when they occur. All students take part in the honor pledge, which has included a promise to take action if bullying is witnessed. Vincent Johnson, a seventh grader, says if someone is bullied students are supposed to, “run and get the closest adult, and tell them the whole situation.”
