Page 37 - The Edge - BTS 2019

SUMMER CONFERENCE AND EXPO

BY DON HARRIS

Students Get ‘Gaggled’ for

Inappropriate Use of School Computers
Michael Swaine

Preventing kids from committing suicide and cracking down on “ ese are very scary statistics,” Swaine said, adding that 37% of
bullying and drugs should be a no-brainer. threats of student violence are sent electronically.
With the help of technology, school districts are able to provide Suicide is the second leading cause of death among children and
a safer atmosphere for students from kindergartner through high young adults ages 10-24, a survey found. “ at’s very troubling,”
school. In a breakout session at AASBO’s Summer Conference and Swaine said. “More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than
Expo, attendees heard how Gaggle helps keep tabs on conversations from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia,
and possibly dangerous plans by linking into electronic devices in uenza, and chronic lung disease combined. Four out of ve teens
provided to students by schools. who attempt suicide give clear warning signs.”
Michael Swaine, Regional Sales Manager for Gaggle, an Illinois- As a result, educators and students experience a loss of teaching
based technology rm, and John Deeb, Associate Principal, Marana time, fewer days at school, increased stress, an unhealthy school
Uni ed School District, focused on student safety in today’s digital climate, trauma, mental health and wellness issues, and at worst, the
world. “Kids are inundated with information,” Swaine said. “We don’t loss of life, Swaine said.
know everything they’re getting and where it comes from.” Deeb, who is the point person for safety at the Marana Uni ed
He provided these startling national statistics for a recent year: School District, which has contracted with Gaggle, said each student
749,000 students were victims of violence, 1 million students were has a school-provided computer with them 24-7. “What students can
harassed, threatened, or subjected to other forms of cyber-bullying, do is out of control,” he said. “One of the biggest issues is self harm.
876,000 students were afraid of an attack or harm at school, and Another is digital access to porn. ey can download it from their
250,000 students seriously considered attempting suicide.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

Genuine Partners

Building For Tomorrows Future,

TODAY.

www.mccarthy.com.mccarthy.com
www
AZ ROC 080911,
080910, 138400,
251222

BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 | THE EDGE 37