Factors Influencing Adolescents’ Use of Anonymous Reporting Systems to Seek Help for Peers in Severe Mental Distress

Purpose: Adolescent mental distress, including suicidality, is a pressing public health problem facing contemporary adolescents. School-based programs facilitate early identification and intervention, yet barriers remain in disclosing peer mental health issues due to potential social repercussions. Technology-facilitated reporting systems (TFRS) used in >50% of K-12 schools offer a discreet reporting option, yet little is known about factors that influence youths’ use of TFRS.

Methods: This study evaluates the use of TFRS among middle school adolescents who know peers in severe mental distress. Data from 405 youth were analyzed using negative binomial models. The study assessed self-efficacy, intention to report distress, and school climate factors associated with TFRS use.

Results: Of the adolescents who suspected a peer was experience mental distress, 37.3% used TFRS to report concerns. Multivariable analysis revealed that reporting to parents, friends, or non-school-affiliated trusted adults was associated with TFRS use. TFRS were more commonly used by students with lower perceptions of school safety.

Discussion: TFRS complements other reporting methods instead of replacing them, suggesting its role as an additional trusted means of disclosure when other trusted figures are absent. Building trust in these systems is crucial, and enhancements should focus on accountability and feedback mechanisms. Understanding features that facilitate reporting via TFRS can improve intervention response. Further research should explore TFRS trust-building mechanisms to ensure efficacy in addressing adolescent mental distress.