The Students Against Violence app, launched by The Jason Foundation Inc. and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, enables states to address pressing issues for young people, including bullying, teen dating violence and suicide. The app also provides resources for students dealing with domestic violence, school violence, self-harm, depression and anxiety, drug abuse, electronic cigarettes, and underage drinking. It is available as a free download.
“This app empowers states and kids with enough information about basic questions they have for themselves, their friends or parents, or fellow students, as well as resources they can turn to if there is an immediate need,” says Hood. “It also explains warning signs to identify issues.”
The app also offers Mississippi-specific help. For example, young people dealing with teen dating violence can immediately connect to Love is Respect, a local organization.
The Jason Foundation originally developed the app as a youth suicide prevention platform. With content from Hood’s office and Mississippi state departments, the foundation broadened the topics that were covered.
Tennessee will be the second state to roll out the app with an expected launch this summer. Eight more states are slated to sign on by midfall.
The app can be customized with local resources, laws and information. The only cost to any attorney general who pursues a customized app for their state is a one-time license fee of $1,495, says The Jason Foundation President Clark Flatt.
