Cyberbullying

It has come to our attention that a recent instance of cyberbullying and inappropriate online behavior has impacted our school community.  A group of students have established a Google Form to collect “Confessions” from students at MHHS, asking students to post things from “a hallway crush to even illegal activity and breaking school rules.”  The form indicates that the responses will be posted to social media for all to see.  As a result, an Instagram account, @mhhs.vent, was established to screenshot and publicly post the anonymous responses.  While the Google form indicates that things such as “homophobia, racism, sexism, etc.” will not be posted, the owners of the form and the Instagram page have consistently posted comments that are racist, homophobic, sexist, and vulgar.  An unfortunate number of students have been engaged with the Instagram account and potentially are subject to discipline as a result.  

We want to remind parents and students that cyberbullying is not only against school rules, but that it is illegal.  MHHS is working with law enforcement, Instagram, Google, and our IT staff to track down the individuals who established and administrate the accounts in question.  When the administrators of the form, the sites, and any bullying comments made are identified, they may be referred for both school discipline, and legal action.  

We also want to remind parents and students that we encourage you to report instances of Cyberbullying to the school so that we can address the behavior right away.  We encourage the use of our Anonymous Report to report these instances, or you may directly contact a counselor or administrator to report these issues.  Cyberbullying is not only against the school rules, but it is emotionally and socially damaging to those who are the target.  Cyberbullying can lead to retaliation, emotional distress, and even harm to others and self.  Bullies can and will be held accountable through school discipline and legal action.  

We encourage parents/guardians to talk to their children about cyberbullying, its consequences, and to discuss this most recent form of cyberbullying that is occurring.  We urge parents to tell their students to cease and desist from “following” Instagram accounts or individuals who bully others.  Please check your child’s Instagram account to ensure your child has not been drawn into this inappropriate behavior.  If you know the individual or individuals who have been involved in the setup of the form, or the Instagram account, we urge you to report them to school administration. 

As always, we encourage you to reach out to the school if you have additional questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

MHHS Administration