School looks to curb violence, bullying

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Shortridge Magnet School is launching a new program aimed at preventing violence and bullying in school.

To help convey the message, on Monday students watched a recorded video message from Martinsville student Chance Jackson, who was shot at school two years ago.

15-year-old Michael Phelps shot Jackson twice. Police say the morning of the shooting, Phelps posted on his Facebook page, "Don't use your mind, use your nine." He also posted, "Today is the day".

Shortridge Magnet leaders hope a new program called Social Net Watcher will be able to point out similar Facebook posts before it's too late.

The program monitors the Facebook accounts of Shortridge students and looks for comments that may threaten students.

"You have to use today's technology in order to keep our children safe, because that is what they are using,” said Sgt. John Acres Jr. with IPS Police. “And we have to meet them where they are and be able to protect them the best way that we can."

Students also learned how the program will better protect them while at school and how to sign up for the voluntary program.

“This is important to me because bullying is a big thing in our community, so is suicide and other harsh things,” said student Prayyer Benyatta.