"Red button" for schools: mechanism for anonymous reporting of incidents

A new mechanism for the protection of students and school staff will become active soon, announced the Minister of Education and Research, Daniel David. It is the so-called "red button", a system for anonymously reporting serious incidents in schools, such as aggression, bullying, drug use and other behaviors that violate school regulations. "I have signed the order regarding the red button, which will appear in the Official Gazette in the coming days. It is not a physical button, but a functional mechanism through which anyone can anonymously report problematic behaviors in schools," the minister declared.

• A safety tool for the entire school community

The order signed by the minister creates the legal framework for the collection and management of anonymous reports from students, teachers, parents or other members of the school community. "It is a protection mechanism for everyone - students, teachers and administrative staff. Anyone who feels threatened or witnesses unacceptable behavior will be able to report the situation without fear of reprisals," explained Daniel David.

• What can be reported through the "red button"?

Among the behaviors that can be reported are: physical or verbal aggression, bullying (including cyberbullying), drug use or distribution within the school perimeter,

violations of school regulations, such as abuse of authority or negligence, any other acts that endanger the safety and well-being of students and employees.

• Technical implementation follows

Although the mechanism was approved by order, the technical details of operation and access will be made public in the coming period. Most likely, the "red button" will be accessible through an online platform, with a secure form that will allow anonymous reporting, but also tracking the status of the intervention by the authorities. "We need clear tools to intervene in time and protect the school community. We cannot let students or teachers feel alone in such situations," the Minister of Education said. The initiative comes in the context of growing concerns about violence in schools, the use of prohibited substances and the lack of real protection mechanisms in the educational environment.