Lufkin ISD Reveals Program to Deter Bullying and Abusive Behavior

Lufkin ISD released details about the rollout of STOPit, by STOPit Solutions. . STOPit is an online reporting tool designed to deter and mitigate bullying, cyber abuse, and other inappropriate behaviors. It is provided through a grant with Region 12.

Parents and students have the power to help put an end to harmful and inappropriate behavior seen through social media and other means. Students can use STOPit to reach out for help if they or a peer are facing a personal crisis or experiencing bullying, abuse or are otherwise in need of assistance.

Parents and students will have access to the STOPit link on the lufkinisd.org website under the Parent/Students tab.

"In an ever-changing world, we understand that safety is a dynamic challenge, and we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of technology to ensure the safety of our students and staff,"  Executive Director of Operations and Safety Dr. Andre Emmons said. "Our previous threat reporting system was good, but we feel STOPit is an important next step in our continued effort to provide a positive school climate and a safe learning environment for our students."

The program educates students to:

• Recognize the signs of at-risk behaviors
• Take every sign and signal seriously
• Report it anonymously through STOPit Web
• Submit photo or video evidence
• Alert designated administrators to issues and risks early, before they escalate

Reports will be sent directly to the campus that has been selected by the complainant.

According to Emmons, STOPit is much more user friendly and allows students with an easy app or website link to safely and anonymously report anything of concern to school officials — from cyberbullying to threats of violence or self-harm.

"STOPit will better help us to be proactive when it comes to bullying and inappropriate behavior and allow us to better deter it from happening on our campuses," Emmons said. “We still encourage our students to feel free to report any concerns to a school staff member, but if they don’t feel comfortable doing so or if an adult is unavailable, then this resource is another avenue for them to make a report.”