NEW YORK, N.Y. – Comptroller Scott M. Stringer has released a report outlining the stark state of 
mental health and social services in the city’s public schools. “Safe and Supportive Schools: A Plan to Improve School Climate and Safety in NYC,” discribes a dangerous rise in bullying in the City’s public educational institutions. The audit also reveales failures in the way the Big Apple reports violent incidents in schools.
“This report makes clear that our kids are facing greater social challenges than ever at school, and the City must properly identify the magnitude of the problem and provide additional resources to bring down the conflict and bullying that’s become pervasive. Our young people are yearning for mental health support – we heard it straight from them, and it’s time we address the problem head on,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer.
In 2017, 82 percent of students reported that their peers harass, bully, or intimidate others in their schools, up from 65 percent in 2012. In a separate audit by the Comptroller’s Office, DOE failed to record “violent or disruptive” incidents in school year 2015-2016. DOE had no corrective action plans in 83 percent of required student behavioral incidents, including nearly 400 that were classified as serious infractions.
“Schools should be sanctuaries where every child feels safe and supported, but all too often, when students need help, they don’t receive the care they need. We need to improve our school climates with a significant, system-wide investment in order to unleash the potential of every child in this city,” said Comptroller Stringer.
