CHESTERLAND -- Bullying is an issue that students at schools across the United States and right here in Northeast Ohio deal with every day.
That is why West Geauga Middle School is spending this week educating students about bullying.
School officials say they've seen a spike in the number of bullying complaints and attribute that, in part, to technology.
Staff conducted a survey with 514 students that revealed 16 percent of students at WGMS say they've been bullied, with most of them saying it happened two to three times a month.
Students said verbal bullying was the most common form, followed by exclusion, rumors, sexual, or another way.
While cyber bullying is now more common, students reported most bullying happens in the hallways or somewhere in school.
"It's definitely something you see every day," said Sarah Bilek, an 8th grader at WGMS. "I see it in the hallways but kind of just stand back because I don't know what to do about it."
Michael Archibald, who is also in 8th grade, says he sees a lot of online bullying.
"You don't have to do it face-to-face; it can be on Facebook," Archibald said.
Cyber bullying is still a grey area for a lot of school officials.
"There is a fine line between what is personal and what is public," explains Kim Glessner, an intervention specialist at WGMS.
For many students, even though they see bullying with their own eyes, they aren't sure what to do.
"I usually don't want to get involved because you don't want to be the next victim," admits 8th grader Gianna Paternini.
To help guide students and themselves through this complex topic, staff at WGMS are dedicating this week to discussing it.
It's not a moment too soon for Kim Glessner.
She tells Channel 3 that several former students committed suicide -- possibly because of bullying -- and can't help but wonder if a program like this one could have made a difference.
"Did it happen in school? Did it start in this building? Did it start at the high school level?" asks Glessner. "Was there something that we could have done differently to maybe make that kid feel more at home?"
Students say they're glad to have this chance to speak openly with one another about the issue and make a difference in the future.
"After this program, I think if I ever see something again, I want to step in and say something and make sure it stops happening," Paternini said.
WGMS received a state grant and a number of donations to pay for the cost of the programs and workshops.
Some activities include holding school lunches where all grades sit together and a family night for parents to get involved.
The program runs through Friday, Jan. 27.
WKYC-TV