KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Keene High School hosted a community conversation focused on bullying prevention and the mental health resources available for students Wednesday evening.

Under the theme “Building a Safety Net for Our Youth,” the event gathered community members and experts in a half-full auditorium to discuss strategies for improving local responses to bullying and fostering a supportive environment for young people. Several hundred more who were not in attendance signed on to watch the livestream of the event.

A Timely Discussion

The event was organized by school administrators in the wake of a recent tragedy involving a local middle school student who reportedly faced persistent bullying. The student’s mother highlighted her daughter’s struggles, bringing the issue to the forefront of community concern. Originally scheduled for Keene Middle School, the event was moved to the high school auditorium to accommodate a larger audience. A group of protestors gathered outside the middle school that afternoon before the event asking the school district to do more to enforce its anti-bullying policy.

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Expert Panel Shares Insights 

The evening began with SAU 29 Superintendent of Schools Robert Malay moderating the discussion. He introduced a panel of experts, including:

  • Jennifer O’Higgins: Senior policy analyst at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the division for behavioral health.
  • Heidi Toursie: Supervisor of the family peer support staff for NAMI-NH working in the Monadnock Region.
  • Annelies Spykman: Director of Child and Family Services at Monadnock Family Services and licensed clinical social worker.
  • Dr. Melinda Asbury: Chief Medical Officer at Monadnock Family Services and chair of Cheshire Medical Center’s department of psychiatry.
  • Adam Kossayda: SAU 29 legal counsel, providing a legal perspective on bullying issues.
  • Dr. Cindy Gallagher, Keene High School principal

The panelists discussed definitions of bullying, preventive measures, and available mental health resources, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.

Defining Bullying and School Policies

The panel offered clear definitions of bullying, distinguishing it from harassment and inappropriate behavior. They explained that bullying involves a power imbalance, targeting specific groups, and can manifest as repeated actions rather than isolated incidents. They emphasized the importance of reporting bullying through trusted adults or anonymous channels.

The process for investigating bullying incidents was also detailed. The school follows a systematic approach, gathering witness testimonies and reviewing evidence such as surveillance footage and digital communications. The panel underscored the necessity of documenting patterns of behavior to substantiate claims of bullying.

Mental Health Considerations 

Panelists highlighted the connection between bullying and mental health, discussing how Monadnock Family Services supports students who identify as victims, perpetrators, or bystanders. The conversation shifted to the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting a nationwide shortage of resources and the critical need for increased funding.

Speakers addressed the challenges posed by social media, recommending limits on its use until children reach the age of 16. They advocated for creating safe spaces within schools and communities to foster open discussions about mental health.

Ryan Chevalier, a Surry resident and mother of both a Keene High School and Keene Middle School student, reflected on the event: “I think the forum was very informative, but I also feel the people who needed it the most were not there,” she said. “They were speaking to people who already care and try and take part in school activities for their children.”

Chevalier noted her disappointment with the online discourse, saying, “There was a lot of online hate last night on the SAU live feed, and it was so discouraging. Basically, parents bullying and putting down everything that was said.”

While some left the event feeling hopeful, Chevalier’s comments captured a sobering reality: “Will bullying be cured in one night, in a small town? No. As sad as it is, it’s like racism—it will never go away.”

Her reflections highlight the complexities of combating bullying, particularly in an era where social media can amplify negativity.

Community Action Items 

A range of actionable steps emerged from the discussion, aimed at enhancing community support and mental health resources:

  1. Art initiative: The annual Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest, for students to creatively share their mental health experiences.
  2. Public awareness campaign: Promoting social media pages that provide inspirational mental health messages tailored for youth.
  3. Parental involvement: Encouraging parents to openly discuss their mental health experiences to reduce stigma.
  4. Smartphone policies: Exploring practices to limit smartphone and social media use among students until high school.
  5. Resource expansion: Investigating ways to increase mental health resources in non-traditional settings, such as libraries and after-school programs.

The discussion also highlighted the availability of New Hampshire’s Children’s Behavioral Health resources, including the 988 crisis call center, which connects individuals in crisis to immediate support.

Addressing Barriers to Support 

Several barriers to accessing mental health care were identified, including the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Panelists stressed the importance of modeling healthy behaviors, such as seeking help and practicing self-care.

Principal Gallagher shared insights on existing school initiatives that aim to prevent bullying and promote mental wellness, noting programs that educate students about appropriate behaviors and encourage peer mentorship.

Community and Parental Roles 

The audience raised questions about the responsibilities of parents regarding their children’s involvement in bullying. Gallagher emphasized the need for parents to collaborate with schools, reinforcing the idea that addressing bullying is a community-wide responsibility.

Common warning signs of mental health issues, such as anxiety, isolation, and changes in behavior, were discussed.

Malay reiterated the importance of personal connections with students, encouraging attendees to engage in meaningful conversations to identify and address mental health concerns.

Future Discussions and Commitment 

The evening concluded with Malay thanking the panelists and attendees for their participation, emphasizing the ongoing nature of this dialogue. He committed to providing answers to questions that could not be fully addressed during the event and encouraged continued collaboration among community members, parents, and schools to support local youth.