An anti-bullying tool for the Google Workspace - Observatory of Public Sector Innovation

The innovation addresses bullying in schools. How to report it and how to follow it. The innovation is a tool on how to report bullying quickly and react to it effectively. Also on how to follow up and analyze data regarding bullying. The innovation lies in the use of existing tools within Google Workspace for Education and on how to use digital tools to identify and react to bullying. Many schools use Google Workspace for Education, so the innovation does not require any further investment.

Innovation Summary

Innovation Overview

Our school had a problem with how to make bullying more visible to teachers. We needed a quick way to react to bullying. Furthermore, different people were dealing with bullying, which led to the information being stored in different places. Either at the administration or at a specific teachers filing cabinet. I developed a tool for students and teachers to notify bullying by scanning a QR code. The reports are then stored in a safe place in the Google cloud. A group of teachers trained to address bullying can discuss incidents with students. The teachers can then store the reports of these discussions with a separate tool, also working within Google Workspace.

The innovation lies in the fast way teachers and administration get notified of bullying. All data on bullying is collected in the same place for the administration to be able to follow the proceedings on bullying. Follow-up is fast and easy for both the anti-bullying team and the administration. The tool allows the school to see trends (when, where, how often, who?) in bullying. The tools are secure, because of how Google Workspace is built. Only selected persons have access to the reporting tool and reports.The teachers who deal with the bullying incidents must know the operation of Google tools well.

The goal of this innovation is simply to make bullying more visible by empowering victims and witnesses of bullying to report bullying quickly and even anonymously if they want to. Our school used this tool last academic year. The average number of reports on bullying went up from a previous two notifications a month to two notifications a week. This increased our effectiveness in dealing with bullying and also made it possible for the administration to follow the proceedings. It helped us to notice pupils who were often the victims and also to identify pupils who bullied often. The tools within Google Workspace allow for further data analysis on the reports as well, helping us for example to identify places at the school, where bullying occurs often. This allows the administration to enforce these locations at the school.

The tool I have developed works within Google Workspace for Education. Many schools already have Google Workspace tools. Therefore, they don’t need anything else, but the knowledge on how to build the anti-bullying tool, within their existing Google Workspace. So the innovation is also easily spread widely.

Innovation Description

What Makes Your Project Innovative?

It is a fast way for students and pupils to report bullying. The data is stored in one place. The data collected allows for the administration to follow proceedings and for a deeper analysis of trends in bullying.

What is the current status of your innovation?

The system is being used in our school successfully. Our school used this tool last academic year and we continue using it this year. The average number of reports on bullying went up from a previous two notifications a month to two notifications a week. At the moment we are still finding ways to develop the flow of reporting faster and simpler. The data analysis also requires additional training and learning for us to make the data more visual.

Innovation Development

Collaborations & Partnerships

The company Bahr Consulting developed the first drafts of the system and tested it for data security and technical issues. The school of Espoonlahti implemented the system and started testing it with pupils and teachers. Now the school is using it for the second academic year and interest on the system is on the rise.

Users, Stakeholders & Beneficiaries

The innovation is still so fresh, that it has only benefitted the company Bahr Consulting and the school of Espoonlahti. The City of Espoo is currently testing the system for wider use.

Innovation Reflections

Results, Outcomes & Impacts

Pupils of Espoonlahti lower sceondary have been able to report bullying and they have noticed the effects in practical school safety and in a sense of safety as well. School teachers and administration are much better aware of bullying and proceedings that are ongoing at the school. We have just asked the pupils and teachers for their opinions and feedback. Other methodology has not yet been used.

Challenges and Failures

First challenges were in treining the teacherss and pupils to use the system and understand its use. After all participants understood how the system works no greater challenges have been observed. One critical part is that staff members who analyze the reports and notices are fluent in using Google Workspace tools. The tool also allows only for noticing and collecting data on bullying. How a school deals with bullying, after it has been reported, is still up to the school.

Conditions for Success

Sufficient staff training. The support of a team of people dedicated to doing something about school bullying. Support of school leadership in decidedly acting against bullying and supporting the staff who deal with bullying.