Florida High School Reports Dangers With Texting

Jan 14, 2009 1:59 PM

A Broward County, Fla., high school has integrated the district's Silence Hurts program. This text messaging program urges students to alert teachers or security officers to weapons in their midst. Staff is advised to take in text messages from students as well as anonymous calls.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, the program has a 24-hour hot line that students, staff and parents can call to alert district security staff to potential threats.

After students send tips, Joe Melita, executive director of the district's special investigative unit, receives them, along with three other security personnel.

"I've always operated under the notion that kids know more than we do," Melita said. "This gives kids the opportunity to share what they know with us."

Working with the same company that puts out Crime Stoppers, the district's text tips will come via a special software that gives the sender anonymity. Called TipSoftText Tips, the software encrypts text messages and routes them through several secure servers.

Lauren Smalley, treasurer of Piper High School's student government association, said she thinks more students will participate in the Silence Hurts program now that they can send anonymous text messages

"That's definitely a good way to approach things," the senior told the Sun-Sentinel. "People think, 'Oh, they're going to trace my phone call or recognize my voice' if they have to call."

There's a $3,000 annual price tag to run the program, but Melita said the cost is well worth it, even in these tough economic times.

"It's their text-message world. We need to meet their needs and ensure we have maximum flexibility," said Superintendent James Notter.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

This month in Access Control

• Targeting The Customer
• Electronic Pedigrees
• One Hero Among Many
• Who? What? When? Where? Why?
• More from September's issue