An Exploration of K–12 School Shooting Threats in the United States

• 2024

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• Jillian Peterson; James Densley; David Riedman; Jamie Spaulding; Hannah Malicky
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/tam0000215

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This exploratory study analyzed 1,000 shooting threats at K-12 schools over a 4-year period. It found a significant increase in threats in 2021-2022. Most threats are made by male students in large public high schools, but the population making threats is more diverse in age and includes females. Threats are often specific, negative, and angry. 40% of threats were unclear if real or a joke, but individuals were usually arrested and charged with a felony. The study calls for more research on those making threats and the challenges in studying this area.

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Tags

Focus Area: Violence

Audiences: Behavioral Health Professionals; Emergency Managers; Public Health Professionals; Schools & Childcare Providers

Emergency Management Stage: Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Safety; Schools; Students; United States; Violence; Gun Violence; Mass Shooting Events

Institutions: Hamline University; Metropolitan State University; University of Central Florida; Grinnell College

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