Jan 07, 2025
ALBANY, N.Y. (WROC) - The Spencerport school board will meet Tuesday, following the arrest of two teenagers accused of bullying and harassing a Cosgrove Middle School student. Second arrest made in Spencerport bullying case News 8 sat down with the president of NYSUT, the state's teacher's union, to learn more on New York's approach to bullying as it applies district by district. "We have a real mental health crisis among our youth right now and there's a shortage of school staff that can help support these students," said Melinda Person, NYSUT's president. In 2025, Person says investment in school support programs is top priority for students affected by bullying. Part of that includes the state's ongoing push to restrict cell phones during the school day. State education leaders are joining Gov. Kathy Hochul with proposals to create a 'bell to bell' policy, which would go into effect statewide. "This year, we're going to be focusing on trying to get some common-sense restrictions on the use of cell phones during school hours, so we can hopefully give our students seven hours a day free from social media and from the other distractions to learning that are occurring now," she said. Person said the state has observed a decrease in cases of bullying and cyberbullying in districts that have limited cell phone use. She also touches on how parents and teachers can better identify the effects of bullying in their students. "Often, when a child is being bullied, you will notice a change in their behavior. They'll get really quiet all of a sudden. They'll say, 'I don't want to go to school anymore.' Or, they're feeling uncomfortable about that walk to school, or they're feeling uncomfortable about that time on the school bus. When you see that change in them, you'll know that something is up and it's a good time to ask what's going on at school," said Person. Person points to the Dignity For All Students Act, New York's universal framework legislation led by the NYS education department, to prohibit any kind of bullying or discrimination in any form. "I think the most important thing for the state to do is to make sure our schools have the resources they need to provide the mental health resources and professionals in our school buildings. Kids are in school seven hours a day and it's an obvious opportunity for us to show up and help address whatever needs are coming up, whether they're related to cyberbullying or other forms of bullying. Schools are a great place to access those resources," she said. The Dignity For All Students Act, while passed as state law, must be implemented and enforced at the local level. Spencerport's school board meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. News 8 will bring you the latest on air and online.
Respond, make new discussions, see other discussions and customize your news...

To add this website to your home screen:

1. Tap tutorialsPoint

2. Select 'Add to Home screen' or 'Install app'.

3. Follow the on-scrren instructions.

Feedback
FAQ
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service