SchoolReach Launches Anonymous Bully Reporting Tool
SchoolReach has launched the CyberBully Hotline, a tool that allows students to anonymously report bullying via text message or phone call.
The two-way tool also allows school representatives to reply with instructions or other support without compromising the anonymity of the reporting student.
As part of the program, each school is given a unique number for students to use. Messages sent to the number are forwarded to the mobile device or email inbox of designated school representatives, as well as the CyberBully Hotline Web site.
Other features of the program include:
- Online message archiving and reporting;
- Wallet cards with the hotline number for students;
- Awareness materials designed to encourage students to report bullying and other violence; and
- A bullying prevention resource center with best practices, news about bullying, and original articles.
"Today's students don't talk, they text and live in an online world," said SchoolReach CEO Joe Palacios. "Our research showed it was important to create a service that would be easy for students to use and have all the features and security factors needed to satisfy school administrators and new state mandates as well."
A division of Saint Louis, MO-based GroupCast Messaging Systems, SchoolReach provides automated communication tools for K-12 schools.
More information is available at cyberbullyhotline.com.
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].