Lviv Implements ‘Safety Button’ System to Protect Students from Bullying
In Lviv, a new safety mechanism has been introduced in schools to enhance security and address instances of bullying, violence, and disrespect among students.
This innovative feature, embedded within electronic diaries, enables students to swiftly report incidents by pressing a dedicated ‘safety button.’ The reports are automatically sent to the school principal and designated safety personnel, ensuring rapid response.
According to Andriy Zakalyuk, head of the Department of Education and Culture of the Lviv City Council, this initiative aims to foster a trusting and secure environment for pupils and to prevent tragic or unnecessary bullying cases.
The system is designed to be user-friendly; children can describe their concerns briefly and be assured that their reports reach the appropriate authorities.
Once the issue is resolved, the respondent can mark it as ‘resolved,’ allowing city officials and school administrators to monitor the effectiveness of their reactions.
Schools will also implement educational materials and online instructions for students and teachers on how to use the system effectively.
Posters explaining when and how to press the button will be displayed in classrooms, with a friendly character named Chubchik guiding younger children in understanding safety rules.
Besides the digital system, physical stickers will be placed in bathrooms and changing rooms, spaces where children are often alone, to remind them of safe practices.
A video tutorial has been prepared to provide detailed guidance.
Currently, the ‘safety button’ initiative operates solely in Lviv, but interest from other communities is growing, with plans to extend its coverage across Ukraine once electronic diaries are adopted nationwide.
Experts suggest that the system’s expansion could significantly improve the response to bullying episodes in educational settings and promote a culture of safety and respect.
The initiative complements ongoing efforts, including the deployment of police officers in some schools, which has been met with mixed reviews regarding their impact on student security, discussed in the article ‘Police Officer in School: Security or Illusion of Control’ by Volodymyr Onatskyi.