In an effort to address the issue of suicide in its school buildings, the West Clermont School District is implementing an anti-bullying program in the Glen Este Middle School and the Amelia Elementary School.

“We have had a tough couple of years in the district with staff and student suicides,” said superintendent Gary Brooks. “When you examine suicide, particularly in regards to adolescents, the perception seems to be that bullying and being picked on by others can be an alarming contributing factor in the suicide rate.”

So, the district has teamed up with Child Focus, the Clermont County Family and Children First Council, and the Mental Health and Recovery Board in implementing the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program for the 2007-2008 school year.

Olweus is a school-age based program which involves many different levels and parts designed to spread awareness about bullying in elementary, middle, and junior and senior high schools (the target ages are 6-15).