I am deeply troubled by the news of another suicide of a middle school student here in Maine (”Lewiston students protest bullying after suicide of middle school classmate,” May 25). My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the children who have died this year alone. These beautiful young people were unique individuals with gifts and talents, but with a future they couldn’t see because they were being abused or isolated by their peers.

A call for more mental health services does not stop the bullies who need to be called out, and their behavior stopped. All the “codes of conduct” in the world do nothing if they are not woven into the fabric and culture of the school, and both emphasized and reinforced by school staff every day. Schools and students across the country are instituting simple, positive programming such as “You Can’t Say You Can’t Play,” “No One Eats Alone,” and other initiatives to combat social isolation and both verbal and digital gossip and abuse. It would cost us nothing to ensure that such basic courtesies are extended in our Maine schools, as well, so that our children can learn in a welcoming environment.

Schools and communities can reward students who stand up against acts of incivility or unkindness, encourage leadership by partnering with students to teach tolerance, conflict resolution, stress management and more. While some schools have civil rights teams and social action programming, clearly, more needs to be done. There can never be too many kind words or actions.

Stacey Mondschein

Hallowell