UP educators report on bullying patterns and how to stop it

UPPER MICHIGAN, Michigan (WLUC) – As the new school year approaches, UP school districts are sharing how they are working to stop bullying before it begins.

“Bullying is someone repeatedly, day after day, following you, picking on you and making you feel inferior,” said Seth Hoopingarner, principal of Ishpeming Middle/High School.

Many UP schools display posters of Michigan’s nationally recognized student safety program OK2SAY in the hallways. With a simple message, students can share their concerns about their classmates or get the help they need.

Along with suicide threats and drug-related problems, bullying was the most commonly reported category in 2023. As bullying gains a new platform through social media, it has become even more difficult for schools to intervene, according to Bryan DeAugustine, superintendent of NICE Community Schools.

“That’s the hardest part. When kids are fighting on the playground, it’s easy to see and we can easily intervene,” DeAugustine said. “But these social media platforms make it really complicated.”

DeAugustine says schools need parents’ help to monitor their children’s social media use because bullying can happen online outside of school hours. Internet access has also made it easier than ever for students to bully children from other schools.

“It can also be complicated to figure out which student is the aggressor, how it all started, why it’s happening,” DeAugustine added. “We really try to work together to sort that out and make sure our kids realize that part of being a good person is to leave someone alone if you don’t like them.”

Because Uttar Pradesh’s school districts get along well with each other, school administrators can usually resolve bullying problems through communication among themselves and with the students involved.

Superintendent Coby Fletcher says Escanaba Area Schools staff do their best to instill a culture of kindness in children before bullying becomes a problem.

“We work really hard to make sure our students understand what is appropriate and what is not, and the damaging impact bullying can have on other students,” Fletcher said. “I think with time and consistency, we’ve done a good job of seeing a decline.”

Fletcher says he wants everyone involved to continue their education to the best of their ability. However, persistent bullying after an intervention, while rare, can lead to suspension or expulsion.

“When push comes to shove and someone’s education suffers because they have chosen to engage in bullying, we will work hard to support the student who is suffering from bullying,” Fletcher added.

Hoopingarner adds that he believes schools have successfully adapted to changes in bullying, but there is no clear-cut approach.

“My goal every day is to make every student who comes in here feel safe and respected. Sometimes that doesn’t always work out, but I’m proud that most students, if not all, in Ishpeming feel that way most days,” Hoopingarner said. “I hope that’s the case in every district in UP.”

All educators agree that bullying is being talked about more in schools today than ever before, which helps schools better identify and solve the problem.

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