Warning Signs and Student Responses: Examining Bystander Reporting of Leakage in Schools

• In Event: Schools, Violence, and Student Mental Health

Abstract

Leakage is considered a crucial warning sign for school shootings and other forms of extreme violence. Leakage refers to the clues left by individuals suggesting they are at a high risk of committing extreme violence. These clues tend to be associated with violence, hatred, or death through actions (e.g., carrying a gun), letters, drawings, and songs, or overtly through verbal disclosure to peers. Although some studies have examined how teachers and other school personnel perceive and respond to leakage, few studies have explicitly focused on the role of student bystanders in reporting such behavior. Given that leakage in the school setting provides an opportunity for students to play a role in violence prevention, an examination of factors influencing students’ willingness or lack thereof in reporting concerning behaviors is warranted. This study draws from a sample of 454 middle and high school students to assess a) the extent to which students would report leakage and b) the sources driving the reporting. Results reveal how relationships with teachers and peers impact students’ willingness to report such concerning behavior. Implications for school safety, policy, and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Kerrie Ann Hull, University of Texas at Dallas

• Alexander Burton, The University of Texas at Dallas

• Cheryl Lero Jonson, Xavier University

• Melissa Moon, Northern Kentucky University