Kids are the best resource for knowing what’s going on inside our schools. In fact, 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.
For Students, An ‘Icebreaker’ Because children are often reluctant to admit their own problems or that of their peers the ‘Talk About It®’ service allows students to initiate contact in a comfortable and safe manner that often leads to face to face counseling. While initial communications may be sent anonymously good faculty respondents will encourage children to meet with them at a time and place of their choosing which reduces the student's fear of being seen getting help for a problem or making a report about dangerous or illegal activity.