Stymie is coming!
I am excited to announce that one of our Wellbeing initiatives this year is STYMIE and we will be launching on the 18th of April.
So, what is Stymie? Stymie is an old-fashioned word that means to stop or thwart.
Stymie is an online, confidential messaging service for anyone who is needing help or is concerned about someone else. Stymie provides a proactive opportunity for students to say something about harmful behaviours or anything they are concerned about for themselves, or someone else.
It works, because it is accessible 24/7, anonymous, easy to use and messages are typically delivered in a few seconds to approved notification recipients.
Stymie is a web app that delivers encrypted, anonymous, and confidential notifications and where possible, uploaded evidence including screenshots to authorised recipients about issues of abuse, harm and unacceptable behaviour.
Stymie allows students, as bystanders, to remain anonymous, and it gives them the courage to overcome the fears and social pressures that prevents them from speaking up. It also can relieve feelings of helplessness if they want to help a friend but don’t quite know how.
Young people can make notifications about all kinds of harm including self-harm, suicide ideation, bullying, illegal activity, sexual assault, and family violence.
Stymie’s focus is on breaking the cycle of harm and abuse through education, intervention and prevention. We know that the first step (in breaking the cycle of harm) is to reduce the stigma associated with reaching out for help.
Launch day is set for the 18th of April. All students will engage in a 40 minute presentation by the STYMIE team, who will explain the system and how to make reports. Please be aware that topics which may be included in the presentation are: self-harm, bullying, harassment, family violence, sexual assault, illegal activity and suicide ideation
Following Launch Day, students are free to use the Stymie notification system.
Stay tuned for more information after Launch Day.
We look forward to working in partnership with you in better supporting our students' well-being. When we know more, we can do more!
Kind regards,
Zana Schroeder
Deputy Principal - Well-being, Engagement and Inclusion