MCPS Announces New Tool to Combat Bullying

McCracken County Public Schools has set up a new way to anonymously report bullying and other risky behavior.

MCPS Director of Public Relations Jayme Jones said The Safety Tipline Online Prevention (STOP!) Tipline is designed for use as a reporting/prevention tool that is provided free by the Kentucky Center for School Safety. If students, parents or community members know of an unsafe situation in a school (bullying, weapons, drugs or alcohol, etc.), they can anonymously pass on that information to school personnel by using this basic email format.

"Our hope is that students who fear face-to-face reporting of bullying or other safety issues may be less reluctant to share this vital information when offered an online option," Said MCPS Director of Law Enforcement and Security, Larry Zacheretti. "By giving students the ability to report concerns over their tablets, computers or mobile phones, we can reach more students and address problems before they escalate."

Jones said the process for using the tip line involves locating the STOP! Tipline logo on the McCracken County Schools website. Immediately, students or community members can anonymously report bullying, cyber-bullying, violence, risky behavior or other safety concerns to school personnel by using a basic email format. Tips can be left anonymously, or students may choose to have someone contact them. More information can be found about the tip line at www.kycss.org/stop/about.php

 "This tip line is just another powerful tool in our arsenal against bullying, harassment and other unsafe behaviors in our schools.  Our Comprehensive Safe School Plan is ever evolving to keep our students and staff safe and we are using every resource available to do so," Zacheretti said.