New online form helps report bullying incidents

• Article

Mundelein High School administration has created a way for students, their parents, staff or community members to report bullying, anonymously, if they wish, by using a web-based reporting form.

The report form, located on the home page of the Mundelein High School District 120 website, allows people to report any form of bullying in complete confidentiality.

The form provides space for students to explain what happened, the date and location of the incident, if it was reported to anyone and if there were any witnesses. There is also a paper version of the form available in the nurse's office.

Once filed, the report form goes directly to Dean of Students Samantha Smigielski, who will investigate the complaint.

If a name was given, she will meet discreetly with the student to get additional information. She will also speak with anyone named in the report as witnesses, involve other staff members or the police liaison officer, if necessary, and use the camera system, if possible.

"Bullying can be a serious situation in schools and we are confident that the use of this new system will help us keep our students safe," Smigielski said.

"Do not suffer in silence," Mundelein Chief of Police Ray Rose said. "If you are being bullied so are others by the same person ... please report it."

The report form is located at the top right corner of the district's website, www.d120.org.