Posted by admin on May 3rd, 2009 in Internet Resources, Internet Use, Technology

I’ve been working with a local group to educate and develop policy around the issue of cyber-bullying.  If you’ve been a reader you’ll know that a friend of mine’s child was a victim of cyber-bullying recently.  I discovered some products (this is but one) that I am going to recommend the schools take into consideration.   It is computer program that provides an anonymous communication link between the students and the administration. I think we all know that kids are the best resource for knowing what’s going on inside our schools.

Here is a description of the program from their website (Disclaimer: I have not received any product information or free product from this company – I found it via research):

” Experts say in four out of five school shootings, the attackers boasted about their plans to other students beforehand. So how can school officials and law enforcement bridge the communication chasm between students and faculty?  Is investing in security cameras and infrastructure improvements the right approach?  AnComm believes that if we are to reduce the likelihood of violence in schools, we must put communication at the core of our school safety plan.  Administrators need to give students a way to reach out to counselors and faculty without fear of retribution or embarrassment to seek help or notify those who can help that there are problems inside your school that require attention.  ‘Talk About It®’ provides an affordable, easy-to-implement option to immediately breaking the code of silence and getting students to ‘Talk About It®.’

For School Officials, A Type of ‘Early Warning System’

Unlike tip lines, web forms and drop boxes, when an administrator receives a message, he or she may respond to the student to find out more, or to discuss the problem. The student and school official (counselor, for example) may engage in an ongoing message dialogue. With ‘Talk About It®,’ the entire thread of conversation is conducted confidentially unless the student wishes to disclose his or her name. If a student sends a message communicating a threat to their own life, the life of another, or the entity itself the faculty recipient may immediately request and receive from AnComm the student’s identity in order to avoid a potential tragedy.”

I think this bears looking into, at least, a product similar.  If we can make “student tip-off” anonymous, I think we might find out about bullying and other forms of harassment real-time.  Furthermore, if students know there is an anonymous way for people to “narc on them” – maybe just the existence of an open communication line will deter negative behavior….do you think?

Disclaimer: I have not received any information or renumeration in any way from the makers of “Talk About It”