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February 27, 2008
The Surrey School District has relaunched the “PSST” (Protecting Surrey Schools Together) website at www.psst-bc.ca. The website is a resource for students to confidentially share or obtain information about issues that concern them and support the safety and security of their school.
“Anti-Bullying Day is an appropriate date for the relaunch of this highly successful website, as students use the site to report bullying or harassment concerns, among other school safety issues,” says Surrey Board of Education chair Reni Masi.
The completely redesigned site includes a reporting tool called “Report It”, which allows students to anonymously submit tips to district staff on anything that is bothering them at school. The site was first launched in April 2005 in partnership with the Surrey RCMP. The site has attracted inquiries from school districts nationally interested in launching a similar site.
Surrey School District manager of safe schools Theresa Campbell says an important benefit for students and school staff has been bullying reports. It has given school administrators an effective tool to intervene in bullying behaviour when it is most effective - with young children at the elementary school level.
“We know a key to preventing bullying is to identify and remedy the behaviour at a young age,” Campbell says. “Tips received through PSST have greatly assisted us in addressing harassment in schools.”
In addition to safety-related issues, the site provides an opportunity for young writers to practice their craft and post stories publicly. Surrey students participate in the design and content of the site on an ongoing basis to promote student ownership, relevance and participation. The site also has interactive and feedback components to keep content topical.
Last Updated: February 28, 2008 |
