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Date: 4/13/2022
WARE - In an effort to keep students safe, Ware Public Schools (WPS) has introduced an anti-bullying app called “BRIM,” that allows individuals to report bullying and safety incidents anonymously.
Marlene DiLeo, superintendent of WPS, said the app was brought to the district’s attention by a School Committee member. As the app serves as a platform to report bullying and incidents in an unidentified manner, students would not have to feel threatened to report an issue in person. “We thought it was a good idea,” said DiLeo. She added that with the rise of social media, “[the app] helps us to be able to address things that people see online.”
DiLeo referenced the app “TikTok,” which she said has caused recent problems in their schools, such as bathroom vandalism. She believes that using BRIM will allow for students to use their social media in a positive way.
BRIM follows five steps: report, investigate, communicate, resolve and prevent. DiLeo explained that when a report is filed, a name and grade may be disclosed, solely for investigation purposes. Once they have this information, the report is directed to the appropriate school’s administration, along with DiLeo.
Since WPS launched this app about a month ago, they have received about 20 incident reports. After going through the entire process, DiLeo said the incidents were not a result of bullying, but rather “students annoying each other.”
She went on to say that some of the reports have been “jokes” and students seeing how the app works, in which case an investigation was not necessary. DiLeo emphasized that the app should be used appropriately, rather than using the app as a way to get other students in trouble.
In addition to students reporting issues, DiLeo said, “Parents could use this too.” Throughout the three schools, barcodes are displayed on bathroom and classroom doors. By scanning the barcode with a smartphone, DiLeo said it takes you directly to the page to file a report.
She noted that WPS has “a lot of methods of communication,” for students and their parents, however, the app is another option.
DiLeo said this app adds to the district’s current work with the Sandy Hook Promise and Impact Boston. Both of these organizations have been working with WPS for more than two years. She said the Sandy Hook Promise has progressed to their “See Something, Say Something” phrase, which has also worked in keeping students safe.
“We’re excited to be expanding on the work we started with Sandy Hook Promise and Impact Boston,” said DiLeo. “These efforts, along with the new app, will help us build an even stronger foundation for the future of our schools and our students.”
She added that all of these efforts “work hand in hand to have culture in keeping kids safe.”
As the use of the anti-bullying app is still relatively new, DiLeo said, “it’s too soon to tell” if they will continue its use moving forward. She continued, “It serves a purpose as long as it’s utilized.”
DiLeo said, “The app does exactly what we said it would do,” in reference to the anonymity of bullying reports and incidents, along with the district’s ongoing improvement of school culture and community. She noted that the app follows Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), state and local laws and policies and is being configured for WPS.
Aside from WPS, DiLeo said BRIM’s anti-bullying software is used by schools across the state and can be easily downloaded on a smartphone.