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Exploring AI on Campus: The Dual Edge of Student Safety and Privacy in Missouri

Update Understanding AI-Powered Tools in Missouri Schools In recent years, many schools across Missouri have turned to digital management systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to combat student mental health crises and prevent suicides. Programs like GoGuardian Beacon and Bark are being adopted to monitor students' online activity, with the aim of identifying early warning signs of emotional distress. Impact of AI Monitoring on Student Safety The Neosho School District, for instance, has witnessed a significant shift in its approach to mental health after implementing GoGuardian Beacon. According to Tracy Clements, the district's former director of counseling, the software has successfully flagged severe risks, including a situation where a student searched for lethal medication dosages. Clements described the subsequent intervention as a pivotal moment, underscoring the tool's potential to save lives. Since the program's introduction, Neosho has reportedly seen a decline in student suicides, dropping from an average of two per year to zero in the last four years. The Need for Comprehensive Mental Health Approaches Despite the promising outcomes, experts warn that digital monitoring tools are not a panacea. Keith Herman, a professor in educational psychology at the University of Missouri, argues that while AI tools help identify at-risk students, they don't provide the nuanced support needed for those dealing with mental health issues. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack adequate mental health resources, making the presence of these technologies even more critical. Herman advocates for a comprehensive framework that includes both AI monitoring and direct mental health support. Privacy Concerns of Surveillance Tools As effective as they may be, these digital tools raise significant privacy concerns. Critics highlight that the surveillance of online activities can disproportionately impact marginalized student groups, such as LGBTQ+ youth and students of color, who are more likely to be flagged and, in some cases, disciplined for expressing their identities. Kristin Woelfel from the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) emphasized the importance of ensuring that these tools do not inadvertently exacerbate disparities among students. Who Are the Tools Really Helping? Data from the CDT indicates that while these monitoring systems aim to protect students, they may inadvertently penalize those who need protection the most. For example, students with individual education plans (IEPs) are reported to face repercussions for their online interactions at higher rates than their peers. The researchers urge schools to consider how monitoring is applied across demographics and the potential for misuse of data. Community and Parental Engagement Implementing these technologies without transparent communication can alienate parents and create mistrust. In Neosho, participation from parents during information sessions about monitoring programs was minimal, highlighting a lack of engagement. Surveys show that 42% of parents wish to opt their children out of AI safety monitoring, revealing a gap between school intentions and parental expectations. Future Directions for Mental Health in Schools Looking ahead, experts like Herman suggest developing mental health frameworks that prioritize collaboration between technology and genuine human interaction. There’s a consensus that training teachers and staff on mental health responses is just as crucial as employing monitoring systems. As our local schools navigate this brave new world filled with AI-driven interventions and increased attention to student safety, it is essential to remember that technology is a tool, not a replacement for human compassion and understanding. The balance between effective intervention and personal privacy needs careful consideration as we strive to create safe learning environments. Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com.