Completed in 2019, The Effectiveness of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System in Preventing School Violence, undertook a cluster randomized control trial in 19 middle schools within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools District.
The study confirmed that youth are well-positioned to identify and report at-risk students and precursor behaviors such as social isolation, bullying, absenteeism, substance use, and mental duress before violence can occur. But some violence prevention programs in schools — like zero-tolerance policies and increasing security and monitoring systems — may have the unintended effect of reinforcing the “code of silence” among students.
This University of Michigan research shows that anonymous reporting systems (ARS), when paired with proper training, have the potential to improve school safety by removing the fear of retaliation and lack of skills and confidence to intervene. This comprehensive approach facilitates reporting and improves school climate.
Key findings include:
Training students to recognize warning signs, take them seriously, and get help combined with an anonymous reporting system effectively improves students’ competency, confidence, and intentionality in reporting warning signs.
Short-term outcomes show:
- Increased willingness to speak up
- Better attitudes about school
- Stronger relationships between students and teachers
These results are tied to longer-term outcomes, including improved school culture and fewer violent acts, overall.