The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has launched the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools to help schools address anonymous threats of violence, particularly those delivered via social media. This resource is designed to guide school leaders, law enforcement, and community partners in developing tailored responses to anonymous threats, with an emphasis on assessing, preventing, and mitigating future risks.
The toolkit outlines key steps for schools to address these threats, including fostering awareness about reporting, engaging law enforcement, forming partnerships with mental health professionals, and implementing multidisciplinary threat assessment teams. The guidance is particularly relevant as anonymous threats, especially on social media, have become increasingly common in K-12 schools, undermining the sense of safety in educational environments, disrupting learning, and straining resources.
Key Strategies in the Toolkit:
- Build Awareness: Encourage early detection and reporting of potential threats.
- Develop Partnerships: Coordinate efforts between school administrators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.
- Engage Law Enforcement: Involve law enforcement to manage threats and determine response escalation.
- Balance Response Steps: Treat every threat as credible and assess the necessary steps to ensure safety.
- Use Threat Assessment Teams: When the source of the threat is known, involve multidisciplinary teams to respond quickly.
- Prepare Throughout the Year: Establish protocols and conduct emergency drills to ensure readiness.
CISA Director Jen Easterly emphasized the need for scalable solutions to help schools manage these ever-evolving threats. FBI Assistant Director Robert Contee added that education and awareness are key to preventing threats and keeping school environments safe.
The toolkit was introduced during the 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, an event dedicated to enhancing security practices in schools across the U.S. Schools and safety practitioners can access the toolkit and supplementary reference materials for best practices via CISA’s website.
