Bullying in schools is a big problem, and one Hillsborough County school is taking a new approach to tackling bullying and boosting self-esteem.

  • Hillsborough school removes bathroom mirrors to boost self-esteem
  • Mirrors replaced with inspirational quotes, positive affirmations
  • Idea of no mirrors to help tackle bullying, empower students

Nearly 50 percent of children in grades 4 through 12 reported being bullied in school in the past month. Fifteen percent of high school students said they were electronically bullied in the past year.

Strawberry Crest High School Principal, David Brown, got the idea to cover up the bathroom mirrors with inspirational quotes and positive affirmations to bring some kindness back and empower students.

“So much is coming at these young teenagers now and they have to figure it out for themselves,” Brown said.

When Principal Brown brought the idea to his students, some were a little apprehensive.

“When he initially told us, I was a little scared to not have mirrors because I look in the mirror as well as everybody else, so I was kind of scared, but I also thought how beautiful it was going to be,” said student Marianna Ibarra.

Ibarra said despite those initial fears, students went straight to work to remodel the bathrooms and create the new mirror replacements.

“You’re beautiful, you’re perfect the way you are. And we did it in both English and Spanish,” said student Danielle Wynn.

Wynn said once the initial shock of no mirrors wore off, the ladies at Strawberry Crest embraced the positive images.

“There’s so many people coming up like, ‘Oh my Gosh, you were part of it? I love what you guys did!’” Wynn said.

The students said this is one legacy they are proud to leave behind.

“It was a lot of work and it took a lot of effort and organization and a lot of our free time but it was worth it because it made a big impact in our school and I think it will continue to make a great impact in our school,” Ibarra said.

The student government said the boys’ bathrooms are next. They plan on renovating them this summer with similar types of messages and encouragement.

Each of the four restrooms the students remodeled have a different theme, from a beach décor to a world theme that features inspirational women from history.