Thulin, E. J., Stilwell, S., Bitar, M. E., & Heinze, J. E. (2025). Landscape and design considerations for statewide technology-facilitated anonymous or confidential reporting systems in schools to mitigate youth firearm harms. Journal of Threat Assessment and Management. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/tam0000254
Abstract
Though technology-facilitated anonymous or confidential reporting systems (TFRS) are implemented in over 50% of K–12 schools to prevent youth violence and harm, little is known about design differences and similarities that may inform use and efficacy of these systems. Using mixed scoping review and digital landscape methods, we identified states with statewide K–12 TFRS. Sixty-eight percent (34/50) of states have at least one statewide TFRS. System design varies by state, including platform vendor, agency overseeing the TFRS, who receives and reviews tips submitted to the TFRS, intended users of the TFRS, tip submission modes, system availability, and if the TFRS is anonymous or confidential. Though highly prevalent across the United States, TFRS vary in design characteristics. These design features likely inform who, when, and why youth may or may not use a TFRS, which in turn affects events that get reported and addressed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)
Though technology-facilitated anonymous or confidential reporting systems (TFRS) are implemented in over 50% of K–12 schools to prevent youth violence and harm, little is known about design differences and similarities that may inform use and efficacy of these systems. Using mixed scoping review and digital landscape methods, we identified states with statewide K–12 TFRS. Sixty-eight percent (34/50) of states have at least one statewide TFRS. System design varies by state, including platform vendor, agency overseeing the TFRS, who receives and reviews tips submitted to the TFRS, intended users of the TFRS, tip submission modes, system availability, and if the TFRS is anonymous or confidential. Though highly prevalent across the United States, TFRS vary in design characteristics. These design features likely inform who, when, and why youth may or may not use a TFRS, which in turn affects events that get reported and addressed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)