Digital technology used to detect bullying early

Digital technology is now helping schools in Japan detect early signs of bullying as students increasingly use tablets and other devices.

Japanese telecom giant NTT Communications has developed a system that illustrates the relationships between students, to show who is isolated.

When children submit assignments using a tablet, their work is shared among everyone in the class. The system analyzes the number of comments and likes posted, and shows which student is having frequent interactions with which classmates.

Teachers can use their own tablets to see who is not communicating much with other students, and promptly offer support to those who need it.

An NTT Communications official said “The system enables teachers to spot who is being left out in class. If we can identify such children at an early stage, it will give teachers time to intervene and provide support.”

Meanwhile, Tokyo-based start-up firm Standby has developed a system that lets students select their health condition and mood every day from four options. That information will then be shared among teachers.

The system can also be used by teachers to conduct bullying surveys of students and collect firsthand information. The company says it hopes this will lead to nipping bullying in the bud.

The company’s president says he wants to create an environment in which teachers are always alert to cries for help from students.