Reduce bullying in schools using FOSS and mobile technology Public Class

About the Class

Why is it important to respond to bullying?

Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be bullied. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect.

Schools have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

The Bully Reporting System:

Free, open source mobile bullying incident reporting system.

Why is it Free?:

Bully SMS software is available free to all schools and organisations that have an existing policy on bullying.

Simple. Every school needs a system like this as a addition to other bully reporting systems. Most schools could NOT afford a commerical SMS software package. Bully SMS removes the financial barrier to use this communication method. This WILL help reduce bullying worldwide.

Bully SMS is a new social innovation designed to help reduce bullying. It enables students to report anonymously via their mobile phone, and schools to be notified and respond instantly to bullying or cyber bullying incidences.

How it Works:

Students text a report to a dedicated number and the report is then instantly forwarded to the appropriate person(s) mobile phone so they can respond in a timely manner. The report is also automatically forwarded via email to the school counsellor or principal.

The Bully SMS software comes preloaded with a database of tips and strategies for students that can be accessed by sending the keyword 'bully tip 1,2,3,4 'etc to a dedicated number.

The Bully SMS software contains a database of local resources, crisis services and helplines that students can access anytime via a keyword or teachers can forward to students and or parents.

What is Covered:

This class will explore the opportunities for reporting and responding using mobile technologies and open source software. Why it's free and open source, how it works, what makes it different to other reporting systems, potential costs, what comes in the kit.

Who Should Attend:

Teachers, School psychologists, Counselors, Principals, School well-being teams, Student affairs coordinators, Year group leaders.

More information: www.bullysms.org

Language of instruction: English