WATERTOWN — The Watertown City School District has unveiled a new threat detection system that, in part, uses artificial intelligence to detect bullying and potential threats to the district.
Previously, the district used a different software but decided not to renew the contract.
The brand being used now is called “Lightspeed” with specialists working around the clock to assess threats. It will scan the activity on a district-owned device such as a computer or laptop, or if a student is connected to the school’s Wi-Fi, it will check that device while the student is on the network.
“It’s to make sure that our kids are being safe,” Superintendent of Schools Larry C. Schmiegel said.
It will also check for any threats of self-harm.
The program will send the words or phrases to the building where administrators decide who gets the message. Schmiegel said the message goes to whoever works with kids to intervene as fast as possible. A high-level risk also gets sent to Schmiegel and assistant superintendents.
“Our kids — they’re kids and their brains are not fully developed. We’re putting technology in their hands and technology is an amazing resource, but we need to teach them how to use it appropriately,” Schmiegel said. “This is just another tool to allow us to help monitor what our students are doing and make sure that they’re being safe, and that the kids around them are being safe … The idea is to prevent targeted violence at our schools, address any bullying situation, promote student wellbeing, and if all of those things are done, then it should be improving our school culture.”
The software went live on Monday and the district has had some instances come up.
“Our school administrators are going to be working with kids on using appropriate language in the appropriate context, and not saying certain things,” Schmiegel said.
Schmiegel said the program is another way to keep students safe while at school.
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