Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench launches anti-bullying app
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this July 14, 2015 file photo, Johnny Bench is introduced as one of the Cincinnati Reds Franchise Four before the MLB All-Star baseball game, in Cincinnati. (The Associated Press)
A Major League Baseball Hall of Famer launched a new cellphone app aimed at combating bullying in schools nationwide on Thursday.
The Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench launched his anti-bullying app called, “Smithfield School App" in downtown Cincinnati.
Bench hopes to help combat bullying in schools and wants to see every child protected as much as possible.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Smithfield School App said on their website that the app allows an incident reporting tool that helps students have, “a real time way to see something / say something.” The website said the app offers a “peace of mind” to both students and parents.
The app also allows teachers and administrators to notify parents of reports of bullying, cyber-bullying, threats, school closings and other alerts.
Nearly 5,000 schools nationwide are said to use the app. The schools will pay a $79 hosting fee every month, making it free for users.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.