At a policy meeting Thursday, board members of Peoria Public Schools reviewed school policies on bullying, and discussed bringing cell phone pouches into the schools.
PPS Board member Gregory Wilson describes bullying as making anyone feel lesser than who they are.
“So any time someone [does] name calling, it can go from threatening, it can go to overpowering an individual,” Wilson said. “Anytime you try and make someone less than what they are.”
Illinois schools are required to review its current bullying policies every two years by the State Board Of Education.
While schools have programs that teach the students about anti-bullying, Wilson said it is the culture.
“You try to build a positive culture. That’s why it is so important that different adults that are inside of our buildings, build relationships with these children,” Wilson said.
Wilson said that building a relationship with a student is critical because, “If you don’t have a relationship with a child, then how can you ask the child to tell an adult?” he said.
In recent years, cyber-bullying has become a more prominent form of harassment.
“It’s available. The students are mainly using cell phones. They’re on the internet, they’re on social media,” Wilson said.
To help fight cyber-bullying in schools, as well as misuse of cell phones, board members have suggested introducing cell phone pouches to Peoria schools.
The pouches have a magnetic lock that prevent access to the cell phone inside.
“You put your phone inside of it, [and] it locks. So, you have your phone, but you can’t get to your phone,” Wilson said.
Board members want 160 cell phone pouches that will be distributed across Peoria middle schools and high schools, as an as needed device.
“I believe it will do wonders in ceasing bullying,” Wilson said.
