Can a Texting Program Make Schools Safer? Expert Says Yes and Reveals What Your Child's School Needs NOW

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to keep students safe, some high schools in Oakland, CA have just launched a new "text-a-tip" program. This cell phone texting technology provides students with a quick and anonymous way to notify campus police about situations such as bullying, drugs, and fights. This specialized program, used by the NFL in many stadiums so fans can anonymously text security about unruly behavior in the stands, was first implemented in Pennsylvania by Pottsgrove High School Principal Christopher L. Shaffer in November 2009 after two students were tragically killed in a car accident. To date, Shaffer and his team have been able to help over 187 students and even immediately intervene to stop a suicide attempt.     

Why don't more schools offer this service? As America's leading "textpert" and cyberbullying prevention expert, Shawn Edgington says that more parents need to be aware that this technology even exists. She and Principal Shaffer can tell your audience how the program works, its effectiveness, why every school in America needs this system, and how to have it implemented in your child's school. They can also provide your audience with a roadmap to understanding the benefits and dangers of parenting in a digital world.  

Invite Edgington and Shaffer to answer:

• Can concerned parents also report drinking, drugs, and violence through this texting program?
• Does protection from retaliation increase the number of reported incidents?
• Is there an increase in false accusations because texts are anonymous?
• How has this program improved school safety?
• Is it easy to implement this program in your child's school?

CREDENTIALS: Shawn Edgington is America's leading textpert and cyberbullying prevention expert, and the author of Read Between the Lines: A Humorous Guide to Texting with Simplicity and Style and The Parent's Guide to Texting, Facebook and Social Media, which is slated for release next month. Her mission is to raise public awareness about textual harassment, online predators, sexting, and cyberbullying prevention. She teaches parents how to limit potential harm to their children from the nasty side of technology. Edgington has been featured by Fox Business, Imus in the Morning, ABC-7's View from the Bay in San Francisco, KRON 4 News in San Francisco, CNN Radio, San Francisco Chronicle, The San Diego Union-Tribune, CBS Radio, The Leslie Marshall Show, and American Cheerleader Magazine, among others.

AVAILABILITY: Northern California, nationwide by arrangement, and via telephone

CONTACT: Shawn Marie Edgington, (925) 249-2850 (CA); [email protected]; http://www.shawnedgington.com

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SOURCE Shawn Edgington