District launches STOPit reporting system to combat bullying

The Wrangell School District has taken another step toward curbing harassment by using modern technology.

Earlier this month, the district installed the STOPit system on electronic devices to make it easier for students and staff to anonymously report any bullying they may witness.

“It’s been in the works for a year now,” said Schools Superintendent Bill Burr. “The Southeast Regional Resource Center in Juneau wrote a grant and included most of the Southeast school districts in the grant. This is an online program with an app, already installed by (Wrangell IT Director Bob) Russell on all student devices, the Chromebooks and iPads at both buildings as well as online.”

The app includes a training video for older students and one for younger students.

Martoinne Williams, the national trainer with STOPit Solutions, instructs students in the videos how to “See the signs, gather the facts and act immediately.” He lists the various means by which people hurt others, including verbal, physical, digital and, sometimes, lethal means.

“In most of these acts — bullying, in the school shooting, in the harassment, in the cyberbullying — someone witnessed those acts and behaviors, but they chose to do nothing,” Williams said in the video. “Instead, they chose to be what we call a bystander instead of an upstander. I want you to be able to see it and to stop it.”

According to STOPit’s training materials, there is typically a high percentage of a witness in many cases of harassment. A student peer is present in 85% of bullying instances, while two or more are present in 50% of cases. In the video, Williams said 80% of mass shootings are preventable due to early indicators, which include fighting, excessive anger, feelings of hopelessness and a change in physical behavior.

STOPit Solutions, based in Holmdel, New Jersey, provides schools, companies and other organizations with resources for recognizing bullying and a way to report incidents anonymously using their app, on a web browser or phone call. A 24-hour, seven-day-a-week response center manages the reports and works with local staff members to manage any problems. In the case of urgent or life-threatening incidents, the company can coordinate with local law enforcement agencies.

Reporting parties can also attach photos or videos or other related media to help document cases of bullying.