Senior citizens and adults, with aging parents, know about panic buttons. There are many commercials, advising of the usefulness of the technology. These necklace devices may be the difference between life and death. Imagine if NG in Arizona had one, would her disappearance still be unresolved? I have not heard any of the commentators analyze that scenario. This button has been around a long time. When accidents happen, time is of the essence.
Now in 2026, we heard in the trial of Colin Gray, the teacher, in the Apalachee High School, testified that she pushed a button on a device she wore around her neck. Her story is sad. Thankfully, the school had a plan; even so, murders did happen. A child's 911 call is on this video also.
https://youtu.be/uhbg6k-hHaw?si=lYsStu7rUmwpzXIt
In my book, I wrote of panic buttons at a University. I saw them myself in rooms used for instruction in one of the most iconic buildings in Pittsburgh. A newspaper article advised of them also. The university had experienced trouble, but not a massacre on the campus.
Panic button technology used in schools is now part of the cottage industry that has grown in response to school shootings. Not that long ago, we only had wall phones in classrooms. Back when I was teaching, if a teacher had a cell phone, using it could result in discipline action. Calling 911 without administrative permission was not encouraged either.
Cell phones in classrooms are still debated but like most technology, they can be used to solve problems or create more issues. Hmm..kind of like a gun, car, knife, penis, fist etc. The use of a cell phone is only as good as the "heart" is of the person holding it. (Read Controlling the Trigger in this blog.)
Panic buttons on a person are for the rescue and recovery stage of accidents/violence. When do you use Northstar in your car?
In looking through videos, it has been years since this technology has been in consideration. This video is 7 years old.
https://youtu.be/VbDEX6iAYvQ?si=auxsWN1Lo45Mcb8v
12 years ago at a front desk a silent alarm:
chttps://youtu.be/SGewQ3jsU9Q?si=iLyfJpKXcOoyeKx5
You can research companies, videos, school bus safety buttons. Techology is grand. But as we see in many situations, it is an astute person or even an animal that can detect an issue before panic has to set in.
Pray for our children. And, use your gut instinct. It just may be the difference in prevention or rescue and recovery.
ASK..your school district if teachers have panic buttons. Also ask for violence reports and pay attention to your own kids.
Marian R. Carlino
March 20, 2026
