Unit Five School District Launches CyberBully Hotline
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: April 12, 2012
NORMAL--It's a brand new system that's helping students get their voices heard and their feelings off their chest.
All they have to do is pick up the phone and call the district's new CyberBully hotline.
The service launched Thursday.
Victims of bullying can call the number anytime and voice their concerns to a behavior specialist.
The hotline keeps students completely anonymous with the goal of learning where the bullying happens and ways to prevent it.
It's targeted at junior high and high school students.
Unit Five Behavior Interventionist Nancy Braun says most often older grades are less likely to talk about their problem.
"They're not going to be as apt to go up to a teacher and say, 'Hey this is going on with me.' But, they're very apt to text someone. And so we're hoping if we can use those avenues that are common to them and are comfortable to them we may get more information about that," said Braun.
The program is currently being piloted, but if it's successful the district plans to make it permanent next year.
It'll cost about $7,000 but the district says if it wipes out bullying, than it's worth it.
Unit 5 CyberBully Hotline:
Middle School Students: 285-8913
High School Students: 285-8912
