Bullying Prevention

Ways to Report Bulliyng

It is the District’s expectation that all bullying and cyberbullying incidents will be reported.

If school personnel witness an act of discrimination harassment, intimidation, or bullying, he or she shall take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so (EC 234.1 (b) (1)). Many times the situation can be rectified before it requires complicated interventions.
Students can tell a staff member at the school (Learning Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, other campus staff)
Referrals to the school counselor or school front office
Report using STOPit, anonymous reporting app
All reports are to remain confidential, as appropriate.
We also take steps to protect the individual who makes the report from retaliation (EC 234.1 (b) (1))

STOPit Tips

STOPit Anonymous Reporting System

We are pleased to announce that our district and schools are now using STOPit, an online anonymous reporting system that is designed to deter bullying, discrimination and other inappropriate or unsafe behaviors.

Students and families can use STOPit to:

make anonymous reports through the STOPit mobile app, website or via phone with the 24/7 Incident Response Center
submit photo or video evidence (App/Web Only)
alert school administrators to issues early, before they escalate
connect immediately via text with certified mental health counselors through the Crisis Text Line located in the app

Students and family members have the power to help put an end to harmful and inappropriate behavior they see online through social media and other means. Students can use STOPit to reach out for help if they or a peer are facing a personal crisis or experiencing bullying, abuse, or are in need of mental health support. STOPit can be used to report bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination, harassment, violence, threats, weapons, alcohol or drug related issues, mental health struggles like suicidal ideations, or any other concerns.

How does STOPit Work?

How to Report Your Concern

STOPit is Anonymous

No personal information is needed to use STOPit. The only way personally identifiable information will be accessible through STOPit is if a student/family member voluntarily includes it within the content of a request or report. MCSD and STOPit are committed to protecting the privacy of student data. STOPit is a signatory to the Student Privacy Pledge, spearheaded by the Future of Privacy Forum and the Software & Information Industry Association. You may review STOPit's Privacy Policy for details, including more information on how anonymous reporting works.

Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Resources

The Merced City School District has a no tolerance policy against bullying in all forms. Student safety is a top priority for the district and does not allow any behaviors that infringe on the safety, emotional or physical well-being of any student. Merced City School District has developed strategies for bullying prevention and intervention to help keep students safe and ensure a healthy learning environment. The district has an extensive board policy and a bullying prevention handbook on bullying that covers a variety of areas, including cyberbullying, bullying prevention, intervention, complaints and investigation, discipline and enforcement mechanisms.

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