How to Improve School Safety Through Bystander Reporting

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Report Highlights Strategies to Strengthen Reporting

When it comes to school safety, the willingness of bystanders to step forward and voice concerns regarding their own wellbeing or that of others is an indispensable element of student health and violence prevention endeavors.

Bystanders possess the power to observe, intervene and support those in need – creating safer and more nurturing environments for all. By fostering a culture of awareness, empathy and action, schools can harness the potential of their students to become vigilant advocates for wellness and guardians against violence. When bystanders courageously speak up, they become catalysts for positive change, contributing to the collective wellbeing of their peers and the overall health of their school communities.

Effective Approaches for Increasing Bystander Reporting

In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a report exploring the strategies most likely to increase bystander reporting in school communities and improve school safety. The objective of their Toolkit for Strengthening K-12 Reporting Programs is to assist school leaders in developing personalized strategies to promote reporting practices specifically tailored to the distinctive characteristics of their communities. It serves as a valuable resource for informing safety planning in K-12 schools throughout the United States, encompassing a wide range of geographical contexts, including rural and urban settings.

In their report, DHS laid out five ways schools can encourage and support bystander reporting.

1. Encourage bystanders to report concerns for the wellness and safety of themselves or others. Encourage proactive measures and empower local education agencies and communities to offer enhanced assistance to students. In addition to addressing concerns related to school violence, prioritize the reporting of indicators that suggest students require additional resources or support, such as instances of bullying, drug use, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and depression.
2. Make reporting accessible and safe for the reporting community. Prioritize safeguarding the privacy of both the reporter and the individuals who are the subjects of the reports. To minimize hesitation among bystanders, it is important to establish systems that guarantee anonymity or confidentiality for those who choose to report. Removing obstacles to reporting can be achieved by providing multiple avenues through which reports can be made, and ensuring that report analysts are well-trained, is crucial in fostering trust among bystanders, making them more comfortable and confident in reporting incidents.
3. Follow-up on reports and be transparent about the actions taken in response to reported concerns. Employ clear and transparent communication that minimizes uncertainty and take concrete actions in response to reports to instill trust in students. Utilizing two-way communication, when appropriate, helps foster deeper engagement with reporting parties. Fairness and equitable outcomes for all students can be promoted by assessing reports based on observed behaviors rather than preconceived traits or profiles. Sharing publicly available data highlighting the impact of the reporting program helps showcase its effectiveness and builds confidence in the reporting process.
4. Make reporting a part of daily school life. Create compelling promotional materials that effectively showcase your reporting program, making it easily identifiable as an integral part of your school’s positive climate. Utilize these materials and organize events throughout the year to consistently remind different audiences about the available resources and emphasize the significance of reporting.
5. Create a positive climate where reporting is valued and respected. Establish and maintain nurturing and trustworthy relationships between students and staff members, ensuring that students perceive adults within the school as reliable and dependable individuals. When appropriate, cultivate trusting connections between student populations and school-based law enforcement or school resource officers (SROs). Aim to foster an inclusive and secure climate where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel safe, esteemed and appreciated.

Navigate360’s P3 Campus Supports School Safety Through Improved Reporting Efforts

Navigate360’s anonymous tipline, P3 Campus, enhances school safety with a powerful tool to promote bystander reporting and proactively prevent acts of harm or violence.

By offering an anonymous reporting avenue, students, staff and community members can feel empowered to share critical information without fear of reprisal or judgment. This confidentiality reduces bystander hesitancy and encourages individuals to come forward with their concerns, whether it be instances of bullying, threats, self-harm or other potential risks. The P3 tipline ensures that reports are securely and promptly delivered to school authorities, enabling them to take immediate action to address the situation. Through this proactive approach, schools can create a safer environment, foster trust within the community and prevent potential incidents by leveraging the power of bystander reporting facilitated by Navigate360’s P3 Campus.

Contact us today to learn more.