Two schools in Salisbury are adopting the use of technology to prioritise the mental health and well-being of their students by partnering with The Student Voice.
Wyvern St Edmund’s and Bishops Wordsworth’s Grammar School will use a student reporting tool that enables young people to report their own issues and to identify harmful hotspots within the school and the city.
The technology is child-friendly and is designed to remove fear and stigma associated with reporting issues but also provides the schools with data on the safety of the school and of the local community.
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Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar School, Jemima Edney, said: "Respect underpins all we do at Bishop's and the introduction of The Student Voice will enable us to hear, respond and respect the voice of all students, particularly those who are less comfortable talking directly to an adult.
“This discreet and accessible reporting tool will ensure that we hear the voice of every child, so that we may continue to provide the safest and happiest of environments for the whole school community."
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Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Wyvern St Edmund's, Caroline Smith, said: “We have a culture of vigilance and protection which supports every member of our school community.
“It is of the utmost importance to us that all the individuals in our school community feel cared for and supported, so they can achieve their very best potential. This online reporting system will ensure any concerns or disclosures are dealt with promptly and effectively.”
The technology was created by Jason Tait, and Stephen Willoughby.
Stephen had suffered severe bullying when at school and after leaving formal education, he completed his studies through home schooling and pursued a career in computers.
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He said: “The main barrier for young people to report an issue is the fear of their peers. Research has shown that the social rules of young people can make it even harder to come forward when there is an issue, but providing young people with a safe space to speak up means the conversation can be started.”
“Working with these two leading schools is a privilege for us, but more importantly, it is great news for the young people of Salisbury - it means that they have another safe route to support if needed.”
The Student Voice offers visual maps of all the contexts young people spend time in which includes school, home, bus routes and local community parks. It enables the school to offer the most appropriate and effective response be it mental health, bullying, sexual harassment, home life or online safety. The technology helps schools to intercept safeguarding issues and helping to prevent future harm.
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