Durham Public Schools reexamining use of controversial student-tracking software
Big brother or a needed layer of protection?
That's the decision the Durham Public School Board will make over the student-tracking software called Gaggle.
The software monitors student activity on school accounts and devices for key words. Any mention of violence, self-harm, or other inappropriate issues would notify school staff immediately.
Board Chair Bettina Umstead told WRAL News this is just one tool the schools can use for student safety. Gaggle is used by than 100 districts across the state and the Durham school district is one of those.
"How do we have that connection with the right support resources inside of our schools to make sure students stay safe," Umstead said. "So, Gaggle is one tool, but we know it doesn't replace a human being, It doesn't replace a school counselor or a mental health support specialist, those people that really help our students get through really challenging times."
Some parents and staff have raised privacy concerns about the technology.
Data shows 65 percent of staff who were surveyed recommend the district continue using Gaggle. Data from across the state last school year showed an 81 percent increase in suicide and self harm alerts, a 118 percent increase in nudity and sexual content, and a 127 percent in drug and alcohol alerts.
The Durham School Board will vote on the future use of Gaggle software in schools Thursday night.
Gaggle software monitors what students are writing and searching on district accounts. It alerts school staff for key phrases, including mentions of self-harm, nudity, violence, or drugs and alcohol. Those alerts come in at two levels - the lower level of questionable content, or the more urgent "possible student situation."
Durham high schools had the most alerts, but the most serious issues came from middle school students.
Umstead said she's not surprised by those numbers.
"I think the adolescent brain at that point is growing so much. We see the hormones everywhere, and students are really keen to the social interactions with others, as well as themselves and their bodies, and how does that all interact together."
The software isn't without controversy. Some parents and staff have raised privacy concerns.
"Sometimes students are writing things that they believe is for themselves," Umstead said. "Now adults are seeing it, and it has caused some conflicts within families as families are learning about some of the things that students are thinking or experiencing, so we really want to be mindful of that."
Umstead tells me she also wants to ensure staff are supported.
"Looking at the types of alerts that staff members are getting, I'm also maybe a little concerned about our staff members as well. It's a lot of information to take in, and many that students are writing - assuming that an adult may not see them. How do we also take care of those staff members who are getting alerts around some really sensitive topics."
