By: Ciara Whipple, Staff Writer

We are all aware, based on the technology agreement, that Mills and SMUHSD can monitor all online activities of students. What you may not be aware of is how closely and thoroughly this is being done. 

With the implementation of Bark by the SMUHSD, every essay, website, resource, and homework assignment you submit is scanned for profanity, pornography, threats, and cyberbulling. That’s right, EVERY one. Scary? Not really. Consumer’s Advocate states “Bark uses artificial intelligence to flag keywords and also identify the context those words are used in and to learn the nuances of oft-changing slang used by kids, tweens and teens”. The purpose is not to discipline the students but rather to ensure our safety. If you submit an essay with profanity, what will happen? Likely nothing. However, if a student were to make a threat against another student, the school, or themselves, this would be flagged and investigated further. 

According to Adriana, the Administrative Assistant to the Directive of Student Services at SMUHSD, many incidents are flagged each week (throughout the entire district). Although, only about 5-10 are actually considered a legitimate threat that requires escalation. The escalation process includes forwarding to school administrators and wellness where the school will talk to the student and their parents. The program has helped prevent suicide attempts and overdoses as well as people dealing with abuse.

Now that you know this, how should you change your behavior and what you write about? Honestly, you shouldn’t. All students should continue to use their resources and websites wisely, write your essays without censoring your content and submit your assignments as you are instructed. However, it is nice to know that if someone in the school were to show signs of needing help, this could be caught and addressed before any unfortunate issue arises.

We should never have assumed we weren’t being monitored, but we should now be aware that things will not be caught by chance but by deliberate measures set in place by SMUHSD. Oftentimes it is a little eerie to know someone is watching everything you do online. However, in this day and age it is not only necessary but could save someone’s life. The surveillance is a necessary tool in ensuring the safety of all students, faculty and staff.