SOUTH OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) — Parents at South Ogden Junior High are demanding answers from Weber School District over allegations of ongoing bullying, cyberbullying and violence that they say have affected students for years.
Matt, whose child attends the school, said the bullying has escalated beyond school grounds and now follows students online through social media, text messages and videos shared among classmates.
“It’s gotten to the point where he is not sure whether he wants to live anymore,” Matt said.
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South Ogden Junior High, located near Hill Air Force Base, serves nearly 1,000 students.
Matt said he and other parents have repeatedly raised concerns with school administrators over the past three years, but feel little has changed.
“It seems like nothing helps, nothing ever gets done and it feels like it actually gets worse,” Matt said. “All the kids see what is going on, and the administration doesn’t really seem to be doing much about it, and then the kids start picking on him more.”
According to Matt, the situation recently escalated into physical violence involving another student.
“A kid was attacked by a group of kids from behind and ended up having to go to the hospital because of that,” he said.
Matt said he is not seeking punishment for school staff but wants stronger intervention and accountability for students involved in bullying.
“I don’t want anyone to lose their job or anything like that,” Matt said. “I just want them to take charge of the situation and make sure kids are held accountable for the bullying they’ve been doing.”
KUTV reached out to Weber School District and South Ogden Junior High, asking whether the district is investigating the allegations, reviewing staff responses and considering policy changes related to bullying prevention and enforcement.
In a statement, the district said the recent physical altercation is being investigated by South Ogden Police. District officials also stated Matt’s child was not involved in the incident and said all reports of bullying and student safety concerns are taken seriously.
The district added that the superintendent has personally contacted Matt in hopes of meeting with him to discuss his concerns.
Matt said he decided to speak publicly because he does not want other students to experience similar situations.
“I don’t want that to continue for any other children — my son or any other children at all,” he said.
Other parents who spoke with KUTV but declined to appear on camera said they are dealing with similar concerns involving bullying at the school.
Matt said he plans to enroll his child in a different school next year, but hopes speaking out will bring more attention to the issue and lead to changes for other students.
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