Waukee's Online Tool to Report Bullying Sees Success

In December, the released an online reporting tool that allows victims of bullying to remain anonymous when reporting their offenders.

Since its launch, Waukee Schools Resource Officer Mackenzie Sposeto says it's been a success with 16 reported incidents of bullying since Dec. 8.

"From the first week of December until today we've had 16 reports, primarily from the middle school level — grade six through nine — and one at the high school level," Sposeto said.

"I think it's great that they feel it’s a safe outlet where they can report anonymously and not have to give out all this information that could put them back in the spotlight."

Sposeto said the reports range from students reporting individual incidents of bullying ("This person was picking on me,") to outing repeat offenders ("This person has been making rude comments about other kids.") None of the incidents have resulted in criminal charges and most have been remedied at the school level.

However serious the report, Sposeto says it's a mark of success that students are finding the tool useful in curbing bullying.

"I think it's great that they feel it’s a safe outlet where they can report anonymously and not have to give out all this information that could put them back in the spotlight," she said. "I think that's why we've seen as many reports as we have. It's nice to know that they can just type out a quick e-mail and have the issue addressed."

Kids Are Using Tool to Report Problems

Waukee Schools Superintendent Dave Wilkerson said he agrees with Sposeto; the program is working for students in Waukee.

"I think it's worked very well," Wilkerson said. "When you’re talking about middle school and high school-age kids, they have relationship issues all the time. I think it’s been a very proactive way for staff to address issues before they become full blown. That has been a very positive thing for us."

The online reporting form is available at http://blogs.waukee.k12.ia.us/msposeto/. If a student would prefer to file a formal complaint, they can visit the .

In addition to the online reporting tool, Sposeto said there is also a text tip line available to anyone with a cell phone. All reports — whether about bullying or other incidents — are completely anonymous and can be reported by texting a message to (515) 490-2190.