Washington – Parents, teachers and school administrators now have a new ally in the fight against bullying. Behavioral therapist and author Tara Lynn Townes launched the Bullying Buddy mobile app in 2025, offering a real‑time reporting system that instantly notifies parents when a child documents an incident.

How the app works

Bullying Buddy lets students record details of bullying encounters on their smartphones. Within six seconds the app sends an alert to a parent’s device, showing the location of the incident – whether it occurs in a hallway, on a bus or in a bathroom – and providing a brief description. An adult‑focused version called Secure offers the same functionality for school staff and other caregivers.

Why the tool matters

Townes says bullying remains a national crisis, affecting children as young as seven and contributing to rising concerns about youth suicide. Many students hesitate to speak up for fear of being labeled “tattle‑tales” or “snitches,” which can deepen social isolation. By giving kids a safe, private way to log incidents, the app aims to break that silence.

Townes also notes that children with disabilities are frequently targeted. Her own son’s experience with dwarfism inspired the creation of the app and reinforced the importance of empathy in prevention efforts.

Availability and support

Bullying Buddy and Secure are available for free on iOS and Android devices. The app’s developers encourage schools to adopt the technology even in classrooms where phones are generally prohibited, citing the safety benefits. In addition to the app, Townes runs the nonprofit Tiny Be Mighty and has authored several books that provide further resources for families dealing with bullying.

For more information, visit BullyingBuddy.com.

Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.