The harmful results of increased bullying in Maryland schools are more than just bruised arms and hurt feelings. At least it  is for a Brunswick High School student.  Preston Deener's mother, Cheryl, said her son has been bullied since he was in 6th grade.  Just last week, after so many years of being bullied, he decided to face his tormentors.  He got into a fight and was suspended for three days and was told he couldn't attend the homecoming dance. " Preston is upset. He's never been suspended from school.  He's had perfect attendance.  He goes way beyond to get that perfect attendance.  He does school announcements. He volunteers in everything for the school.  He is well known to the community and the school," said Deener.

Maryland law requires school staff to report bullying.  Deener said she has reached out to school officials. "For 4 years I have.  I sat in a 3 hour meeting with the school. And that's when they said he can use the Crisis Pass.  Well, Preston can't keep missing time from class.  These teachers know about it.  They need to pay more attention of what's going on in these classes," continued Deener.  A Crisis Pass allows a student to get up and leave the classroom when they are involved in an incident without asking the teacher.

Meanwhile, the principle did reverse the decision about the homecoming dance, but in light of this growing problem in Maryland schools, Deener is planning an Anti-Bullying Homecoming Dance.  "It's this Friday, at the Brunswick City Park Building.  It's free, and it's being held from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m."
 
According to the Maryland State Department of Education, there were more than 3,800 incidents of bullying in Maryland schools during the 2009-2010 school year, and reports of bullying have been increasing over the past three years.