Safe Schools Maryland Anonymous Reporting System
The Safe Schools Maryland (SSMD) anonymous reporting system allows students, school staff, parents, and community members to easily and anonymously report school or student safety concerns anywhere, anytime. The SSMD program is one of 25 statewide programs across the country. These statewide programs have saved countless lives and prevented tragedies by allowing the proper contacts to intervene before a tragedy occurs. Suicide, self harm, and fights have been reported and prevented in Maryland. In a 2021 study titled, Averting Targeted School Violence: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Plots Against Schools, the USSS found that targeted school violence is preventable when communities report concerning behaviors and intervene. In addition to making threats of violence, many plotters had histories of mental health symptoms, substance use, bullying, stressors, and interpersonal grievances. 1 This research 2 has indicated that in almost all school shooting incidents or averted attacks, someone knew about the attacker’s plans prior to the incident. The reasons that kept bystanders from reporting were they didn’t know who to report it to, weren’t sure how to report it, or were scared to report for fear of retaliation. Research also shows that having an anonymous method of reporting increases the likelihood that a bystander will report. As such, Maryland identified the need for a system to allow anyone to report concerns anonymously. SSMD is completely free for any K-12 school and free to anyone who makes a report. The system does not replace calling 9-1-1 or telling a trusted adult, therefore, MCSS encourages students to make a connection with a trusted adult in their lives. If they can’t report it to someone they know and trust, SSMD is available. Reports can be submitted via the mobile app, SafeSchoolsMD.org, or 1-833-MD-B-SAFE (1-833-632-7233) and are routed to school, public safety, health, and/or social services personnel for appropriate follow-up. The goal of the program is to put this very important prevention tool in the hands of all Maryland students. Age-appropriate live training is available for students, school staff, and parents/families.
1 Improving School Safety Through Bystander Reporting: A Toolkit for Strengthening K-12 Reporting Programs
2 U.S. DHS and USSS National Threat Assessment Center Report titled “2021 Averting Targeted School Violence: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Plots Against School”
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