Firearm-related injuries are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents, and more than 50% of U.S. K-12 schools use anonymous reporting systems to decrease these firearm injuries. According to a new research brief, “Firearm-Related Tips in a Statewide School Anonymous Reporting System,” in the February 2024 Pediatrics (available online Jan. 17), youth-submitted tips successfully bring in lifesaving responding services in the communities in which they are used. Anonymous reporting systems, which offer an opportunity to anonymously report firearms, potential suicides, violence and other concerns, are used in 23 states, serving over 5 million 6th-12th grade students annually. Researchers studied data from a southeastern state implementing an anonymous reporting system in all schools, including 103 school districts and 156 charter schools, across four academic years (2019-2023). During this period, the providers of the anonymous report system (Sandy Hook Promise Foundation) documented that their system in the state led to 1,039 confirmed mental health interventions; drew emergency response in 109 situations where clear evidence of imminent suicide crisis was present; prevented 38 acts of school-violence; and averted 6 confirmed planned school attacks. The authors of the research brief found that the system collected 18,024 unique tips—with an estimated 90% of these tips submitted by students. 10% of all tips contained reference to firearms, and more than half of firearm-related tips were classified as life-threatening (51.1%). Common responses to anonymous reporting systems tips included notification of parents (39.0%), school disciplinary actions (22.2%), and police welfare checks (15.6%). Researchers concluded that greater awareness of ARS among public health and medical personnel could create opportunities for additional services and support for adolescents and remove some of the burden from families and school systems in responding to these often-life-threatening situations.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.