Agencies tout school safety reporting programs resource

Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) personnel are espousing the benefits of a new resource to aid school safety reporting programs.

The K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit supports kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools as a means of bolstering bystander reporting among students and the broader school community, offering strategies and guidance K-12 schools and school districts can use to create a school environment where students are more willing and able to report concerns for the wellness and safety of themselves or others.

“Targeted school violence is preventable when communities facilitate bystander reporting and promote climates of safety and trust,” NTAC Chief Lina Alathari said. “Our research has shown that students are best positioned to identify and report concerning behaviors displayed by their classmates. Preventing school violence is everyone’s responsibility.”

Alathari said the reporting programs described in the toolkit promote successful outcomes for all students while fostering a proactive approach to school safety.

Key takeaways for schools include encouraging bystanders to report concerns for the wellness and safety of themselves or others, making reporting accessible and safe for the reporting community, following up on reports and being transparent about the actions taken in response to reported concerns, making reporting a part of daily school life, and creating a positive climate where reporting is valued and respected.

“It is essential that we work closely with our partners to provide resources that can help prevent targeted school violence,” CISA Infrastructure Security Executive Assistant Director David Mussington said. “Students and school communities deserve to be safe at school. Developed with our Secret Service partners, the K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit outlines action-oriented strategies school leaders can use to develop stronger reporting programs, foster safer and supportive communities and ultimately prevent school violence.”