COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area High School ends the 2010-11 school year today with renewed optimism for addressing bullying.
Members of the Students Against Bullying (SAB) club say they will continue their effort to end bullying at their school when they return in the fall.
"It's more than just a club," said Khristi Taylor, a junior. "It's something we really want to keep going. We want the bullying to stop."
SAB was initiated five years ago with one teacher, but now involves four different student groups and approximately 35 students.
"Our goal is for this to be a place where students are free to learn and develop without the limitations of bullying," said Jim Dressler, one of the teachers who work with the group.
One of the goals is to raise awareness about an issue affecting schools across the nation.
"It's really a problem here at the school, and most people don't realize it," said Taylor.
The students said harassment has become more extreme in recent years due to the use of cell phones and the Internet.
"It was always a problem, but it changed with the technology," said junior Blair Faust. "It's not just in school now."
That trend played out locally earlier this year with the suicide of a Line Mountain High School student, whose death is blamed on cyberbullying.
'Intimate' approach
To help raise awareness, SAB sponsors "bully-free days," where faculty, staff and students wear anti-bullying T-shirts designed by the group.
"It has always been there, but it has become more extreme," said Dressler. "We wanted to address the issue more intimately."
About a year and a half ago, the group started a "Breakfast Club," where students meet once a month, occasionally once a week, to talk with other students about their experiences with bullying, current issues or support those who are being bullied.
"I think it's helping; we get a lot of positive feedback," said Dressler. "It's therapeutic for all involved."
SAB members said the number of students coming to meet and talk with them shows they are making a difference.
"It's nice to see that we are getting the message out there," said Faust.
Student-led effort
The group had its origins in the 2006 statewide Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which trained teachers and parents how to prevent bullying. But SAB shows the transition of students becoming more involved with the issue.
"I found that it needed to be student-led," said Dressler. "We have to deal with the issues as well, so the faculty will always play a big part for this organization."
During seventh-grade orientation, the group informed the new junior high students what they can do about bullying and how they can get involved with the group.
"We have to get more students involved," said Faust. "We see it up close. Kids can't be afraid to step in."
The group has also made anti-bullying announcements during radio broadcasts on Big Country Radio.
Although the group consists of a few seniors, most of the group consists of juniors and sophomores. The returning students said the group will be sponsoring more bully-free days and they plan more activities to get the whole school more involved.
"I know it will be hard," said Taylor, "But I know we can stop the bullying."