Addressing Threats in Schools: Protecting Students and Promoting Healing

I wish to clarify that although I am employed by the public school system, this blog does not aim to criticize, undermine, or suggest any deficiencies in the school where I am employed. Rather, its purpose is to provide assistance to other schools, administrators, or staff members who may be uncertain about where to begin in addressing emergency situations. Having worked in numerous rural schools, I've observed a common lack of knowledge regarding available resources or protocols for handling threats or emergencies within their facilities. This blog aims to serve as a starting point for such individuals, offering guidance and resources to enhance safety and preparedness.

When faced with a threat to harm or kill students and staff made by another student, schools must act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety of everyone involved while also addressing the underlying issues that lead to the threat. Handling such situations requires a delicate balance between security measures and providing support and intervention for the student making the threat. Here’s how I believe schools can effectively manage threats and ensure that all students receive the help they need.

1.      Take Immediate Action: The safety of students and staff is the top priority in any threat situation. School administrators and security personnel must take immediate action to assess the credibility of the threat and implement appropriate security measures to protect those at risk ie. students and staff. This may include initiating lockdown procedures, contacting law enforcement, and communicating with parents and staff about the situation.

2.      Conduct a Threat Assessment: Once the immediate threat has been addressed, a comprehensive threat assessment should be conducted to evaluate the severity of the threat and the risk it poses to the school community. This assessment should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including school administrators, mental health experts (preferably not the student who made the threat’s personal psychologist but rather an outside source who would be impartial), and law enforcement personnel. By considering factors such as the student’s history, behavior, and access to weapons, the team can determine the level of risk and develop a tailored intervention plan.

3.      Provide Support and Intervention: It’s essential to recognize that students who make threats may be struggling with underlying issues such as mental health problems, trauma, or social isolation. Rather than solely focusing on punitive measures, schools should prioritize providing support and intervention to address these underlying issues and prevent future threats. This may involve connecting the student with mental health services, counseling, or other support resources both within and outside of the school setting.

4.      Engage the Student and their Family: Open and empathetic communication with the student and their family is crucial in addressing the root causes of the threat and facilitating the healing process. School counselors, social workers, or mental health professionals should engage the student in supportive conversations to understand their perspective, concerns, and needs. Additionally, involving the student’s family in the intervention process can provide valuable insights and support tin addressing underlying issues.

5.      Implementing Restorative Practices: Restorative justice principles can be valuable in addressing threats and promoting accountability, healing, and reconciliation within the school community. Restorative practices focus on repairing harm, fostering empathy, and promoting positive relationships through dialogue, mediation, and community-building activities, by involving all stakeholders in the resolution process and addressing the impact of the threat on the school community, restorative practices can help facilitate meaningful and lasting solutions.

6.      Monitor Progress and Follow-Up: Addressing threats requires ongoing monitoring and follow-up to ensure that the student receives the support they need and that the risk of future threats is mitigated. School personnel should regularly check in with the student, provide ongoing counseling or support services, and collaborate with outside agencies as needed. additionally, continued communication with parents, teachers, and staff can help identify any emerging concerns and facilitate a coordinated response.

7.      Promote a Culture of Safety and Well-Being: Ultimately, preventing threats requires creating a school culture that prioritizes safety, well-being, and positive relationships. Schools should invest in proactive measures such as social emotional learning programs, bullying prevention initiatives, and mental health support services to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued, respected, and connected. By promoting a culture of empathy, understanding, and collaboration, schools can reduce the likelihood of threats and create a safer and more resilient community for all.

In conclusion, effectively handling threats in schools requires a holistic approach that prioritizes both security measures, support, and intervention for the student making the threat. By taking immediate action to ensure safety, conducting thorough threat assessments, providing support and intervention, engaging the student and their family, implementing restorative practices, monitoring progress, and promoting a culture of safety and well-being, schools can effectively address threats while also promoting healing and positive change within the school community.

Remember when seconds count and help is minutes away you are your own first responder.

Stay safe my friends.

Bart Goldbar

Goldbar Defense LLC