MHS Students Speak Out on Bullying in School

– Heidi Walsh, Mustang News

The tragic suicide of high school student Phoebe Prince has stirred deep concern about bullying in public school systems across the state.

The Medford Public Schools held a cyberbullying forum last week with School Committee member Ann Marie Cugno, State Representative Paul Donato, School Superintendent Roy Belson, Police Chief Leo Sacco, and bullying experts to inform parents about cyberbullying and to discuss ways to address the problem.

Despite a detailed presentation about what cyberbullying is, many in the audience were left wondering how to best address the issue.

“All the parents here tonight are not those who are parents of the bully but the parents of the victims. Why is the school not taking steps to approach the kids directly instead of passing simple all-talk and no-action threats?” Asked one concerned parent.

The Mustang News asked Medford High School students about how they think bullying should be addressed by the schools.

“In order to enforce punishment for bullying one must define what bullying is and set up boundaries on what it is and what it is not,” stated senior Lily Kwan. “Schools officials should set up what is an actual punishment for bullying and let them know that the bully cannot get away with their actions.”

Many MHS students may not want to tell a teacher because they are afraid of running the risk of making “a spectacle of themselves,” thus leading the question of whether students felt comfortable talking about these issues to their teachers.

“I feel comfortable talking with my teachers if there is a problem,” said junior Kenny Nguyen “However, there are a lot of kids that don’t agree with that. I think guidance counselors should be more open about the bullying subject and use their class time as a chance to get to know students if they are being bullied.”

Some MHS students who have been bullied believe it is the bully who is in greater need of help because often bullies are acting out negatively due to personal problems.

“If I see someone bullying another person whether it be online or in school, I know that he or she is trying to rub their insecurities off another person and guidance counselors should not only reach out to the victims but, the bully as well because they’re never going to stop pointing the finger at one person until they realize its really pointed at themselves,” said a Medford High freshman.

One idea that frightens parents, students, and school staff alike is the potential of another bullying-related suicide. Medford High School students agree there must be communication on all sides to address the problem of bullying in school.

“When someone is bullied at Medford High it’s more similar to a social isolation scene than the (cliched) shove into a locker. I believe the non-physical stuff can hurt more than actual physical bullying. I wish there was a way that guidance class could be used to perhaps increase confidence levels in order for kids to be comfortable enough to come to an adult for help,” said an MHS sophomore.

As another school year closes, the school administration will have a multitude of options to consider, such as adjusting guidance classes and opening the lines of communication, to give Medford school bully victims the help they truly need.