In this episode of The Safety Circuit with Alex and Ivy, we dive into the third case study from the 2020 Averted School Violence Special Report — a chilling but powerful story from a New England middle school where a student's decision to speak up may have saved a life.

Two 14-year-olds had developed a plan targeting another student, complete with a strategy to obtain firearms. Thankfully, a classmate overheard their conversation and took immediate action, alerting the principal and triggering a swift, coordinated response from school staff and law enforcement.

Alex and Ivy break down how trust, quick action, and proper threat assessment protocols helped prevent a potential tragedy. They also explore key takeaways from the case, including the importance of mental health support, the role of school resource officers, and fostering a culture where students feel safe to report concerns.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about school safety. It’s a real-world reminder that awareness, communication, and a strong school community can truly make all the difference.

The Averted School Violence Database