News

Some parents worry that ATM at high school could be new outlet for bullies

October 12, 2003

BUCKINGHAM, Quebec - Parents of students at a high school in West Quebec are worried that the machine could provide a new outlet for bullies.

According to a CBCreport, the ATM at Hormidas-Gamelin high school in Buckingham was installed at the beginning of the school year, and charges $1.75 for each withdrawal. Half of the fees go back to the school to pay for extra-curricular activities.

School board trustee Carl Simpson has received calls from parents who are worried about how it might be misused. "I'm with the parents who think it could be dangerous for harassment," he said.

"Parents pay enough to clothe kids," Simpson said. "I don't think we should be taking money from students' pockets."

Some students share those fears. "Some kids may be attacked because they have a bank card," said one student who doesn't think the school ATM is a good idea.

The school of 1,700 students already has its own bank branch, to help students learn how to manage their money. The transactions at the Caisse Populaire are free.

The school's principal, Leo Marleau, argues that the bank branch could pose the same problems, but it hasn't. "Harassment is always a concern, but it cannot only be related to the ATM," he said.

The ATM, which is run by an independent operator, has been popular, according to the principal. "The only complaint we've had at the school level is when it doesn't work," Marleau said.