A WEB app that detects possible bullying – and asks the writer to rethink before they post – will be introduced to Tamworth teenagers next week.
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The app Reword is one of two tools that Tamworth headspace will show Oxley High School students as part of its Ready to Rethink project.
The other is The BullyBox, a mobile app that allows victims or witnesses to anonymously report incidents to their school for investigation.
We are encouraging our students to use their phones as a modern tool in a positive way to impact on the behaviour of their peers.
- Natasha Gillan
Headspace Tamworth youth and community engagement officer Avril Oakley-Hollow will talk with groups of students on Thursday and Friday about the apps and Ready to Rethink.
The project aims to decrease bullying by pitching into discussions and education about what it is, and by encouraging young people to rethink their actions and words.
Reword was developed by Melbourne creative agency Leo Burnett with headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation.
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It is a free Google Chrome extension at www.reword.it, and it’s hoped it will be mobile phone-ready soon.
As for The BullyBox, Oxley High will receive real-time anonymous data about bullying on their grounds from the app.
Oxley High School teacher Natasha Gillan said staff were excited about the pilot introduction of The BullyBox in their school.
“We are encouraging our students to use their phones as a modern tool in a positive way to impact on the behaviour of their peers,” she said.
“The school is certain that, through the use of The BullyBox, we can maintain our supportive school culture and develop student skills in standing up and speaking out.”
The applications are free for the students to use, and parents will receive information on both of them after the launch.
Headspace said that bullying and its effects were still nearly impossible for many young people to avoid.
A Sensis report last year said regional Australians were 50 per cent more likely than city dwellers to have seen bullying or harassment on social media; and more than twice as likely to have been bullied themselves.
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
