How Anonymous Tips Stop School Violence with Dr. Elyse J. Thulin

Introduction:

In this episode of Stop the Killing, hosts Katherine Schweit and Sarah Ferris sit down with Dr. Elyse J. Thulin, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. Dr. Thulin shares her groundbreaking research on how anonymous reporting systems in K-12 schools are helping prevent school shootings, suicides, and other forms of violence. Her insights into these technology-facilitated systems highlight the crucial role they play in saving lives by identifying early warning signs and allowing students to report concerns anonymously.

Summary of Key Topics:

• The role of anonymous reporting systems (T-FIRST) in K-12 schools and how they work.


• The connection between firearms-related tips and school violence prevention.


• Real-world data from North Carolina’s anonymous tip line system, showing how these tips have saved lives.


• How anonymous tip lines help identify at-risk students and prevent potential tragedies before they escalate.


• The challenges and opportunities in improving and expanding the effectiveness of anonymous tip systems across schools in the U.S.

Guest Introduction:

Dr. Elyse J. Thulin, Ph.D., is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. With expertise in psychology, anthropology, and global health, Dr. Thulin has led pivotal research into the effectiveness of anonymous reporting systems in schools, helping to reduce firearms-related injuries and deaths.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:01:00 ] – Introduction to Dr. Elyse J. Thulin and her role at the University of Michigan.


• [00:02:17 ] – Overview of firearms violence research and the importance of anonymous tip lines.


• [00:04:40 ] – How tip lines function in schools and what makes them a critical tool for violence prevention.


• [00:11:00 ] – Shocking data: 10% of tips in North Carolina involve firearms, and 50% of those are life-threatening.


• [00:25:00 ] – Six planned school shootings were averted through anonymous tips.


• [00:33:00 ] – How parents and communities can support the use of anonymous reporting systems to protect students.

Relevant Resources and Links:

• National Center for School Safety: nc2s.org
  


• Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention: firearminjury.umich.edu


• Patreon


• Stop the Killing Podcast: Apple Podcasts
  

Calls to Action:

• Support the podcast and get exclusive content by subscribing on Patreon or Apple Subscriptions.


• Share this episode with someone who cares about school safety and the prevention of violence through innovative systems.

This episode highlights how anonymous tips are a powerful tool in preventing tragedies in schools. Listen in to learn more about the real-world impact of these systems!

Relevant Resources and Links:

• More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.


• 
  The Gold Shields Podcast with Tom Smith.


• Website: Sarah Ferris Media
  


• Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com

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This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.

Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions:

• CONNING THE CON


• KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON


• GUILTY GREENIE


• THE BRAVERY ACADEMY


• WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES

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