Resources available to students, community to report safety and bullying concerns

In light of the recent school violence in Texas, Dearborn Public Schools is reminding students and community members of tools that can help prevent violence in schools. In an emergency, please call 911.

Anyone wanting to report cyberbullying or online threats is encouraged to capture a screenshot to share with officials.

OK2SAY

Michigan State Police operate the OK2SAY hotline, which accepts information around the clock about any threats to student or school safety. Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees or schools. Submit online at michigan.gov/ok2say, call 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729), text 652729 (OK2SAY) or email OK2SAY@mi.gov. An OK2SAY app is also available.

School safe boxes

Every Dearborn Schools website has an Online Safe Box. Here students can report bullying behavior and other unsafe or potentially dangerous activity related to a school or its students. Information can be submitted anonymously. School officials will be notified and will look into the situation. See the full list of school websites.

School social workers

Every school in the district has a dedicated social worker. These employees are a good resource for students who may be struggling with mental health, social-emotional issues, or conditions at home. Depending on the situation, the social worker may be able to provide assistance or direct families to outside resources available to students and families. Parents can also reach out to social workers if they are concerned about a student.

Social-emotional learning

From the youngest grades, Dearborn Public Schools works to create a safe school culture that does not tolerate bullying and provides all students a safe and welcoming school environment. This process, called social-emotional learning, is embedded throughout numerous programs in the district. As needed, students may be taught appropriate school behavior, how to cope with negative emotions, conflict resolution methods and more. Parents can find resources on this topic on the district’s Social and Emotional Learning webpage.