A smartphone app developed by a New Jersey-based company allows anonymous reporting of bullying and harassment at school and the workplace.

The “STOPit” app allows people a discrete way of reporting bullying, suicidal thoughts or safety issues. It was developed primarily for schools, but has also found its way into the workplace.

“It’s a simple, fast and powerful way for a student in distress to reach out for help,” says STOPit Solutions president Parkhill Mays.

People report the abuse through the app, and a message is sent to school administrators or a company’s human resources department.

“Someone who can then follow up with them through an anonymous messaging platform, send them resources and get them the help they need right there through a platform and device they're very familiar using every day,” says STOPit manager Jonathan Holmok.

More than 3,400 schools in New Jersey and across the United States have signed up for the app, as well as 180 companies. Some law enforcement departments are also involved.

Company officials say that the goal of the app is to allow people to come forward with things that they might not have otherwise reported.

More information about the app can be found on the company’s website.