Students in the Port Aransas School District are learning how to use an app that will help prevent youth violence.
Students like Nicole Sullivan, a junior at Port Aransas High School, are learning if you hear something or see something, say something.
“Things happen, and we never know when they’re going to happen,” said Sullivan.
To do that, students are using an anonymous threat reporting tool called ‘Say Something.’
It’s the work of the national organization, Sandy Hook Promise, a group founded by those who lost loved ones in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.
With the new tool, students or teachers can submit an anonymous tip to help identify any individuals or students who they may be concerned about.
The tool allows anonymous tipsters to report a variety of potential threats such as gun violence, self-harm, drug abuse and even bullying. And every tip is addressed immediately.
“It goes to a call room, somewhere else,” said Steve Reaves, the safety and security coordinator at the district. “Someone else there takes the information, (and) has a conversation with the tipster.”
Then that information is relayed back to the district. For students like Hailey Clark, a junior at the high school, it’s a way to take ownership of their safety and well-being.
“Everyday, we are with our own classmates constantly and we have the power ourselves to see if something is concerning to us,” said Clark.
“I think it’s a very good tool to have in our back pocket,” said Sullivan, “and be proactive instead of waiting to be reactive.”
‘Say Something’ is free to schools and districts across the nation. If you’re interested in implementing a program like this at your school, and would like more information on how to do so, visit the organizations website by clicking here.
