A video posted by a 13-year-old Bedford Middle School student has elicited a response from principal Melissa Kay. On Friday, she emailed parents with the subject header: "Important Message."
"We are investigating a recent case of cyber bullying," Kay wrote. "Today, the school counseling staff and I met with the 8th graders in their teams to remind them of internet safety and consequences of cyber bullying. We encourage parents to have similar discussions at home with your children."
In the YouTube video, which has since attracted a total of 10,000 views and 268 comments, 8th-grader Alye Pollack says she is bullied regularly. By holding up sheets of paper and without speaking, Pollack details the effects bullying has had on her.
Superintendent of Schools Elliott Landon told Patch he is unable to speak about this specific incident of alleged bullying, but did say it's imperative that incidents are reported to school officials either by the victims, their parents or friends of the victims.
"If bullying is taking place and it is not reported to us we can do very little about it," Landon said.
A story examining Westport's bullying policies and potential legislation in Hartford will be published tomorrow.
