West Fargo student survey highlights mental health, bullying increases

Survey shows mixed results across schools

The survey showed an increase in self-reported bullying across the district except Heritage Middle School. Most schools remain below the state average except Cheney Middle School. The state average has also risen since 2021.

Richards said the survey has limitations in what it can measure.

“The YRBS survey measures the risks of specific behaviors but it doesn’t necessarily get really prescriptive or diagnostic,” Richards said.

“So that survey is not going to tell us if a learner reports bullying or signs of depression. Because that’s not really the scope of the survey.”

District focuses on support systems

The district is working to help students feel safe and secure. According to Richards, staff have undergone training to be “that person” a student can go to.

“If you’re looking at bullying or thoughts of harming yourself, having somebody at school that you feel comfortable enough to go to to say ‘Hey, I need help’ is going to really support,” Richards said. “One of our big pushes over the last 12 months is making sure all of our learners have that person.”

Richards said parents should contact the school if they have concerns.

“If parents have concerns about their child or if their child is reporting concerns to them, they should absolutely reach out to the school. That could be to their child’s teacher, it could be to the principal, it could be to the school counselor.”