Austin, TX, May 10, 2018 – Impero Software, a leading provider of classroom management, network and online safety software to schools, has partnered with the national nonprofit Mental Health America (MHA) to help schools detect potential mental health concerns among students.
Through the partnership, MHA will help Impero build its new keyword library, which contains terms specific to mental health issues. MHA will also help Impero further develop its keyword libraries relating to suicide, self-harm and eating disorders.
Impero is also collaborating with MHA on a back-to-school campaign to help drive awareness of mental health in young people within their school communities.
“Too often the mental health needs of students go unnoticed or unaddressed. This can have tragic consequences,” said Richard Fuller, CEO of Impero Software. “Mental Health America is a leader in this field and its work aligns with our mission to keep students safe. Through this partnership we can better support schools in identifying potential issues so they can provide students with the help they need.”
Schools use Impero’s Education Pro software to monitor students’ activity while they are using devices on the school network. The software uses algorithms to alert educators if a student types or searches for certain keywords or phrases relating to issues such as bullying, violence or suicide and more. Educators are able to view the students’ comments or internet searches in context to determine the appropriate next steps. Impero works with partner organizations to develop the keyword libraries. Impero also provides anonymous reporting features and classroom management tools.
Mental Health America is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. With over 200 affiliates in 41 states, 6,500 affiliate staff and over 10,000 volunteers, the organization works on prevention services, early identification and intervention in mental illness.
“Bullying – including cyberbullying – can have tragic consequences for individuals, families, schools and entire communities,” added Theresa Nguyen, MHA Vice President of Policy and Programs. “Bullying is painful, lasting and related to low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, anger, and other mental and physical health problems. MHA is proud to be working with Impero in its ongoing work to safeguard students and empower educators, and work to prevent needless tragedies among our youth from occurring.”
In addition to the partnership with MHA, Impero also supports digital citizenship education in schools. It partnered with advocacy organizations to produce white papers at the 2017 and 2016 Digital Citizenship Summits. It also released an Online Safety Handbook in 2017 which provides resources and best practices for schools that are using Impero Education Pro. It released a video in 2017 highlighting the dangers of bullying and sexting, and how online monitoring software can help schools detect problems before they escalate.
About Impero Software
Impero Software offers remote monitoring and management software, relied upon by education establishments around the world. Founded in 2002, Impero software is now accessed by over 1.5 million devices in over 90 countries. Impero is used by over 1,400 UK high schools and in over 500 US districts.
Impero’s cutting edge EdTech software consolidates a range of powerful classroom, network and device management features enabling schools and colleges to reduce costs and improve both staff and student productivity. Impero’s sophisticated online safety functionality uses keyword detection technology to help schools safeguard students online. For more information visit: www.imperosoftware.com.
About Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) - founded in 1909 - is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Our work is driven by our commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal.
