The K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit, a valuable resource developed jointly by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), was released on May 16, 2023. This toolkit aims to support kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools in strengthening their school safety reporting programs and promoting bystander reporting among students and other school community members. Titled "Improving School Safety Through Bystander Reporting: A Toolkit for Strengthening K-12 Reporting Programs," the toolkit provides practical strategies and guidance for K-12 schools and local education agencies (LEAs) regarding safety reporting initiatives. Its primary objective is to foster a school environment where students feel empowered and motivated to report concerns about their own well-being or the safety of others. The toolkit can be customized and adapted to suit the specific needs of each school community.

Created in collaboration with the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center, the toolkit emphasizes five takeaway strategies for LEAs to consider as they seek to further encourage and support reporting:

  1. Encourage bystanders to report concerns for the wellness and safety of themselves or others.
  2. Make reporting accessible and safe for the reporting community.
  3. Follow up on reports and be transparent about the actions taken in response to reported concerns.
  4. Make reporting a part of daily school life.
  5. Create a positive climate where reporting is valued and respected. 

The toolkit is relevant to schools with diverse student populations, varying geographical settings, and different stages of maturity in their reporting approaches. It offers best practices and strategies and includes self-assessment worksheets, checklists, and a compilation of related school safety resources and tools.

For questions about the K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit and its contents, please contact Risk Control.