School safety measures proposed by Rep. Manweller

OLYMPIA - In the wake of recent school shootings in Washington, 13th District Rep. Matt Manweller of Ellensburg has introduced a bill in the House designed to prevent school violence by training students in what to look for on social media.

The bill also sets up an anonymous reporting system to teachers and administrators.

Manweller introduced the legislation after the school shootings at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in October and, most recently, at North Thurston High School in April.

"We need a way to combat school violence without getting sidetracked by a gun control debate. My approach focuses on prevention while respecting people's constitutional rights," Manweller said. "As a father of two children heading into the public school system, I want them, and all children, to be as safe as possible."

The bill resembles legislation that was developed in Colorado after the 1999 Columbine High School shooting.

Colorado developed an anonymous tip line so students could report potentially dangerous/harmful actions on Facebook or other social media platforms.

"The fact of the matter is, kids know when kids are having a hard time long before the adults do," Manweller said. "Sometimes, teachers and administrators are the last to know. By then, it's too late."

"We need a system where students can feel safe reporting ominous, violent or suicidal social media posts to school officials without fear of social reprisal," he added. "My bill does that."

The bill proposes that, by Jan. 31, 2016, the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction would develop a safety model curriculum, or update existing curriculum on social media, which includes age-appropriate safety lessons.

The lessons would be designed to teach students how to respond to alarming or disturbing social media posts.

It also proposes that, beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, there will be available to all students at least one age-appropriate educational program, class or activity that teaches social media safety.

"All too often we hear from classmates about disturbing posts on Facebook or Twitter after the fact. We need kids coming forward and alerting adults before someone brings a gun to school," Manweller said.

Manweller introduced the bill during the 30-day special legislative session. He said he is fully aware that it will be difficult to get the bill through with short notice in the special session.