The “Text 2 Stop It!” Program Should be a Must in All Schools
Having a son or daughter who is being bullied is hard. As a parent, you want to step in to fix the issue, but sometimes you are unaware it is happening. The Text 2 Stop It! program is allowing those who are being bullied to have an anonymous voice.
The program launched in 2013 and is run by the Text2Them, Inc. Any person who uses the service can anonymous report a bully. When someone is either a victim or a witness, they can send a message to a live operator. They will then be in contact with a person who will then ask for photos or videos or the incident. As they document the report, the operator will then pass the information on to those who can appropriately handle the situation.
According to their website, the program was launched in a small school system. After the “first 60 days, the Text 2 Stop It! operators responded to over 45 tips.” Needless to say, the school’s new text addition was highly successful. The next year, administrators noted of there being a 33% drop in bullying incidents in their school.
Pencil in your support to #StopBullying Our trending text program @Text2Stopit can help. Enroll your school. https://t.co/tqfo5AgNe2 pic.twitter.com/x7AYdhAbCN
— Text 2 Stop it!™ (@Text2Stopit) September 11, 2017
The non-profit organization states that their success if based on texting. Since students do not always have the courage to talk to adults about their problems, texting leaves an air of anonymity.
Annual enrollment costs for the program depend on the student population. Prices start at $300 for the year and can go all the way up to $2,250.
#StopBullying @Text2Stopit Register your school. DYK Bullying was down 33% in first year pilot test in Maryland https://t.co/ZloZng2oZK pic.twitter.com/dh6fM1lB8b
— Text 2 Stop it!™ (@Text2Stopit) September 10, 2017
Once a school is enrolled, students can begin texting the school’s unique keyword to 71441. An auto response will send to their phone stating that an operator is standing by. After the initial message, they will then ask for further details including photos or videos or the incident.
Just like that, school administrators will have a full grasp on what is going on in their school’s hallways.
We think every school should be enrolled in this very important program!
Sarah is a Hufflepuff living in NYC. When she is not traveling or talking to random animals, she is working as a script writer. Tweet her at @lumpyspacederp
