During the Jan. 24 Whitehall-Coplay Community That Cares meeting, coalition members continued their discussion of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey.

While looking at the section regarding school climate and safety, it was noted the high school students report enjoying and appreciating school more than the middle school students. CTC members reported high school generally has more opportunities for students, and middle school tends to be fast paced and harder to make connections.

One of the Whitehall-Coplay Middle School student representatives opened up about the challenges of being in that age group. She said they want to be respected and listened to but are still seen as kids. They are going through major developmental changes and often do not feel understood or appreciated by adults.

CTC members noted it’s easy for adults to think they made it through middle school so they understand, but the world has gone through many big changes over the years. It is a different world now than when most adults were in middle school.

It was also noted the fast-paced school environment and world we live in often leaves people struggling and at the risk of burning out. Many students spend the whole day in school before spending the night at sports practices or other activities and clubs and still have to find time for homework.

The CTC agreed it is important to find time to take breaks and give your brain a break. It was joked we should all still have recess during the day.

The PAYS data did also report higher numbers of students enjoying a positive school environment.

There was discussion about the different perspectives of what constitutes bullying. CTC members talked about social media and online bullying versus in-person incidents on school property. It was noted the bullying often starts online and moves to in-person interactions.

School Resource Officer Matt Christman said they see more online harassment. When this happens, they bring the students in and talk about the ramifications.

It was noted the school district uses peer mediation and conflict resolution strategies to resolve issues. Christman noted they see best results with the peer mediation.

It was noted they are in the process of creating a peer-run peer mediation system at WCMS. It is believed having students listen to and support each other is beneficial. The PAYS data supports the idea that students are more likely to talk to and listen to each other. One of the student representatives agreed it is important to have someone to talk to and make those peer-to-peer connections.

The PAYS report shows the lifetime gambling numbers are down. One of the middle school students on the coalition noted she really doesn’t see gambling in the school.