Waukee Schools Have New Online Tool to Report Bullying

The released a new online reporting tool Dec. 8 that reinforces its no-exceptions stance on bullying.

Whether a victim or a witness, with just a click of a button, students, parents and staff members can let the proper authorities know about incidents that may otherwise have gone unreported.

Waukee schools resource officer Mackenzie Sposeto said the online system makes it easier for those to report problems without them feeling guilt or anxiety for doing so.

“My hope is for this to be a preventative tool," she said. "Bullying is such a big issue and sometimes kids have a difficult time expressing themselves face to face. Reporting online gives them the option to report anonymously if needed."

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 .

"Pause Before You Post"

In addition to the online reporting system, Waukee High School has been participating in a bullying prevention program aimed at users of social media.

Jostens' Pause Before You Post is a public service program designed to make students stop and think about what they're sharing electronically before they share it.

In a news release, Principal Kirk Johnson said students at are being encouraged to participate in the Pause Before You Post program to make smarter decisions when it comes to using social media.

“We are committed to helping Waukee High School students, educators and parents understand the importance of preventing cyberbullying, practicing respectable digital citizenship and maintaining a positive online reputation,” said Johnson. "Pause Before You Post from Jostens gives us the tools and information to address critical questions about social media and enables a positive dialogue between students, parents and educators."

The program focuses on four key questions every student should ask themselves before posting something online:

• Who will be able to see what I post?
• Will anyone be embarrassed or hurt by it?
• Am I proud of what I’m posting?
• How would I feel if someone posted it about me?

Johnson said information and materials about Pause Before You Post will be available to students, parents and educators throughout December. He also encouraged other members of the community to consider taking the pledge when using social media themselves.

Random Acts of Kindness Video

In a video produced earlier this month, Waukee High School's Random Acts of Kindness club took its own stand against cyber-bullying.

The 3-minute video features comments Waukee students have posted on Facebook and Twitter about other students and encouraged them to "do better."

You can see the video on You Tube.