Once rampant in schools, bullying has taken a backseat to violence in recent years as classrooms become more volatile. However, the impacts of bullies remain ever-present, and creating an environment of safety and respect is still a major priority for administrators. With violence becoming a more frequent threat in schools, teachers and parents are exploring new solutions to address bullying – and a growing number of schools are turning to apps to help prevent bullying and violence.
Schools are utilizing a variety of apps to combat bullies and reduce violence. ReThink, a teen-oriented app, allows users to pause and take a step back before they send a text or post on social media. It is designed to help students make smarter decisions and encourages teens to reconsider their actions. All Around is another app that focuses on digital safety, allowing users to report threats and get help anonymously. Finally, safe2speak is an app that allows teens to report bullying and violence through a secure online platform.
But do these apps actually work? According to an analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they actually do. Research shows that schools using apps to fight bullying have seen an impressive 12 percent reduction in bullying events compared to schools without such apps. This reduction in bullying has, in turn, led to a decrease in violent incidents in the schools.
It’s worth noting that these apps are not a one-stop solution to bullying and violence in schools. Indeed, research shows that the most effective anti-bullying efforts are comprehensive approaches that involve parents, teachers, administrators, and communities. However, these apps can certainly play an effective role in addressing bullying in schools – and it seems that an increasing number of schools are taking advantage of them.