Government

Bill would keep anti-bullying program alive in Michigan

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By LAURA BOHANNON
Capital News Service
LANSING — A senator is pushing to renew a 2013 law that allows students to anonymously send tips regarding bullying and crime in their schools to help improve safety. Sen. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan,  introduced a bill that would eliminate the “sunset” of the original “OK2SAY” law, which essentially means it will continue as is. Laws can have a period before their “sunset,” when it is decided whether that law is effective, and Emmons said this act has proven its effectiveness through the number of kids that are using it. The Student Safety Act, which created a program called OK2SAY, allows students in any school to anonymously report incidents of crime, bullying, intimidation, incidents of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other safety threats. If a student is concerned for a classmate who may be experiencing any of these things, they can send a message in as well.

Education

Schools spotlight anti-bullying programs

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By JUSTINE McGUIRE
Capital News Service
LANSING — Michigan’s anti-bullying law is only a year old, but some northern Michigan districts such as Alpena and St. Ignace have much more experience with anti-bullying policy and prevention. Alpena Public Schools has had an anti-bullying policy for at least 15 years, said Michelle Cornish, the district’s bullying prevention coordinator and Thunder Bay Junior High assistant principal. The program teaches students how to recognize, react to and report bullying, including cyberbullying. “We encourage students to report all incidents of bullying so that we can establish patterns and identify who the bullies really are,” Cornish said.