NCPS Enhances Digital Safety with Launch of Lightspeed Alert™ for Student Protection
NASHVILLE, N.C. – Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) has been using Lightspeed Systems' content filter for three years to protect students from harmful web content, regardless of where they are learning. Starting Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, the district has implemented Lightspeed Alert™, a sophisticated detection system that monitors students' online activities for signs of violence, bullying, drug use, weapons, self-harm, and suicide.
Lightspeed Alert uses artificial intelligence to scan school-owned devices, productivity suites, and internet searches on personal devices connected to the school network for concerning words and phrases. The system sends real-time notifications to Lightspeed Alert safety specialists, who assess alerts, conduct threat evaluations, and escalate concerns to district safety personnel or law enforcement if necessary. NCPS will investigate any credible threats in accordance with district safety policies and procedures.
"Student safety is our highest priority, and the implementation of Lightspeed Alert marks a significant advancement in ensuring our students can learn in a secure digital environment," said Tremain McQueen, Executive Director of Technology and Innovation.
Lightspeed Systems is committed to the responsible, secure, and compliant use of data. The company's practices, including the use of AI and monitoring through Lightspeed Alert, comply with all applicable laws and adhere to strict data privacy and security standards, including FERPA, CCPA, GDPR, COPPA, and social media platform agreements.
About Lightspeed Systems
For more than 25 years, Lightspeed Systems has been a leader in promoting student education and safety through a suite of cloud-based solutions. These include web content filtering, student safety monitoring, classroom and device management, and edtech application management. Currently, Lightspeed Systems protects over 20 million students in 28,000 schools across 39 countries.
Through this partnership, NCPS is committed to:
Protecting students from harmful content
Identifying and addressing concerning behaviors to prevent targeted violence, reduce bullying, and promote student well-being
Ensuring that mental health resources are available to students who need them, when they need them
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