Oak Creek Schools using technology to fight bullying

OAK CREEK, Wis. (CBS 58) – Oak Creek schools are using technology to fight bullying.

Students can now report incidents anonymously through the “Stop-It” app. The message is sent to a school leader like a principal or guidance counselor. The adult can then text the student back about what to do next.

“We have to make sure every kid feels the connection to an adult in the school,” Carollton Elementary School principal Paul Kenwood said. “No matter what program we set up, if the kids don’t have a relationship with someone in the building, it’s not going to matter.”

Some elementary schools in the district have installed “buddy benches”. They’re places for children to sit if they are feeling lonely so other kids know to come up and ask them to play.

Burlington-based Scherrer Construction Co. partners with schools to provide them with buddy benches. More information can be found on the company's website.