Starkville School District Launches StopIt Platform to Combat Bullying
In a bid to improve the learning conditions for middle school students in Starkville, the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) has announced a revolutionary solution. The district has launched StopIt, a digital application that allows students to anonymously report issues like bullying, harassment, fights, mental health concerns and safety issues.
A proactive approach to dealing with student’s issues
The reports submitted by the students are directed to school administrators who can then act promptly to address the reported issues. The school district’s deployment of the StopIt platform is a direct answer to the growing wave of problems students face, including bullying, cyberbullying, self-harm, school violence, and substance abuse.
The principal of Armstrong Junior High School shared optimism about the new platform, noting that it has eliminated a lot of altercations between students and taught children how to problem solve and be responsible.
StopIt as an Intervention tool
The StopIt app provides a channel to help contain potential concerns before they escalate. It also serves to remind students that they are not alone, reinforcing that there’s no need to feel embarrassed about sharing concerns. Report submissions from students at Armstrong Junior High School and Partnership Middle School are usually followed by a text notification to multiple designated staff members at the school. School authorities can interact with the anonymous reporters to ask more questions or discuss the issues raised.
Students and the StopIt Platform
Students at both schools have been trained on how to use the StopIt app, which can be accessed through their school-issued Chromebook device, or downloaded on personal devices. The Principal at Partnership Middle School expressed excitement with the platform, particularly regarding the students’ response since its implementation.
It was noted that the platform provides a resource where students feel safe to share concerns. Immediately upon implementation, there were instances where students shared important information that called for follow-up. This has enabled support for families and students, connecting them with necessary resources.
Additional features of the StopIt app
Additional features of the StopIt app include the ability for students or parent users to upload images or screenshots that could aid in the resolution of the reported concerns. The app also facilitates a real-time chat feature that puts students in touch with professionals who can help address their concerns. Any reported issues of violence or self-harm are communicated to the school authorities through an immediate phone call from StopIt.
The district Superintendent is hopeful about the benefits of StopIt within the school district, emphasizing that the health and safety of students is always a top priority and that this resource will help create a positive learning environment for students during critical middle school years.
Additionally, the principal noted the desire for kids to remain in school, stating that the focus is on learning and safety for all students and staff. The StopIt app is already demonstrating its effectiveness in helping to stop issues before they escalate and inhibit learning.
