Bullies beware: website allows kids to report problems
Of course, most kids don’t want to be labeled a snitch. But http://www.schooltipline.com lets students do the right thing without fear.
The website being used by more than 50 schools across the country. Brigham Young University student Justin Bergener was inspired a few years ago to start the site after a teenage girl told his mother that she was being harassed at school but was afraid to tell any teachers or administrators.
“There really is this culture and code of silence that’s particularly prevalent in middle schools and high schools,” Bergener, 28, told the Salt Lake Tribune. He says that most reports on the web site, which schools sign up in order to participate, are about bullying and harassment. Students submit the reports anonymously, and school officials get a copy.
Most schools are participating for free under a pilot program. Other schools pay $2 a student per year for premium service that allows students to text message the reports.
Bullying is a serious problem that can lead to fights and psychological problems for victims. A Los Angeles-area teenager who was the target of relentless teasing shot and killed himself at his school recently.
Rosanna Ungerman, a principal at a Utah school, said that she’s received 20 reports through the tip line this school year. Several fights were averted as a result. Just one report has been erroneous, which officials were able to figure out from questioning the student online.
