Safer schools · Stronger peers
Bullying & Violence
Bullying — in person and online — is linked to lower grades, higher absenteeism, depression, and youth suicide. LEADD works inside schools to break the bystander effect, equip students with de-escalation skills, and give them safe ways to report what they see.
By the Numbers
The cost of inaction.
U.S. high school students report being bullied on school property in the past year
Source: CDC YRBSS
Of high schoolers report being bullied electronically (cyberbullying)
Source: CDC YRBSS
Young people (10–19) lost to homicide in the U.S. each year
Source: CDC WISQARS
Of school shooters had been bullied or socially isolated
Source: U.S. Secret Service NTAC
Of bullying stops within 10 seconds when a peer steps in
Source: Hawkins, Pepler & Craig
Bullied students are twice as likely to consider suicide
Source: JAMA Pediatrics
Of attacks studied by the Secret Service had observable warning behaviors beforehand
Source: Secret Service NTAC
Of teens have experienced cyberbullying — most never tell an adult
Source: Pew Research
Why It Matters
More than a statistic.
Behind every number is a teen, a family, a classroom, and a community. Here is the context every parent, educator, and faith leader should understand.
Bullying is a public-health issue, not a rite of passage. It directly increases suicide risk, school dropout, and future violence.
The bystander is the most powerful person in the room. LEADD turns bystanders into upstanders.
Anonymous reporting works — when teens trust the system. We help schools build that trust.
Most school violence is preventable. The Secret Service NTAC framework shows warning signs are present in nearly every case.
Warning Signs
What every adult should watch for.
LEADD trains parents, teachers, coaches, and faith leaders to recognize the early signals — long before a crisis.
Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
Unexplained injuries, lost or destroyed clothing, books, or electronics
Decline in grades or sudden refusal to go to school
Changes in sleeping or eating, frequent headaches or stomachaches
Self-destructive behaviors, talk of running away, or self-harm
Specific written or spoken threats — always take them seriously
The LEADD Curriculum
A complete, classroom-ready program.
Each module is delivered by a trained LEADD officer in partnership with the school counselor. Modules can be sequenced over a semester or compressed into a one-week intensive.
- 1
Module 1
Bystander to Upstander
The science of why peers freeze — and the simple scripts that interrupt bullying in under 10 seconds.
- 2
Module 2
Cyberbullying & Digital Citizenship
Screenshot evidence, blocking, reporting, and the legal lines of harassment and threats.
- 3
Module 3
De-escalation Role-Play
Hands-on practice with officers and counselors — body language, tone, and exit strategies.
- 4
Module 4
How to Report (Safely)
Walk-through of the school's anonymous tip line, Sandy Hook Promise SAY SOMETHING®, and trusted-adult mapping.
- 5
Module 5
Threat Assessment Basics
For staff and peer leaders: spotting concerning behaviors and connecting at-risk students with help.
How LEADD Helps
Education that changes outcomes.
LEADD officers don't just visit a classroom and leave. We build year-round partnerships with educators, parents, and faith leaders so teens hear a consistent, life-saving message from every adult in their lives.
Peer leader academies
Selected students are trained as upstanders who can interrupt bullying and report concerns through trusted channels.
Anonymous tip lines
LEADD helps schools roll out and promote anonymous reporting platforms vetted by the Secret Service NTAC framework.
De-escalation workshops
Practical, role-play-based training so teens have language and tools when conflict starts to spiral.
Threat assessment partnership
Officers and counselors form joint teams that respond to early warning signs with support — not only discipline.
Restorative practices
Trained officers facilitate restorative circles to repair harm and prevent retaliation cycles.
Cyberbullying response
Step-by-step guidance for parents, students, and schools on documenting, reporting, and stopping online harassment.
"I used to walk past it. After the LEADD academy, I learned three sentences I could actually say. The first time I used them, the kid being bullied looked at me like I'd thrown him a rope."
— Jaylen, 11th grade peer leader
For Parents
What you can do tonight.
You are the most important prevention program in your teen's life. These are the actions LEADD officers ask every parent to take — starting today.
- 1
Ask specific questions: 'Who did you sit with at lunch?' beats 'How was school?'
- 2
Know your teen's apps and group chats. Anonymous apps (Yik Yak, NGL) are common bullying vectors.
- 3
Save the evidence. Screenshots beat memory in every school and police process.
- 4
If your teen is the one bullying, address it directly and seek counseling — early intervention works.
- 5
Report threats — even ones that 'seem like a joke.' Schools and police treat all threats seriously, and so should you.
What's Included
- Peer-leader 'upstander' academies
- Anonymous tip-line rollouts
- Cyberbullying response training
- De-escalation role-play
- Threat assessment partnership
- Restorative practice circles
- Parent & staff training
Aligned With Trusted Partners
Our curriculum draws on the research, materials, and decades of experience of the nation's leading prevention organizations.
- StopBullying.gov
- U.S. Secret Service NTAC
- Sandy Hook Promise
- PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center
- Cyberbullying Research Center
National Resources
Trusted help, one click away.
Bookmark these. Share them with your teen, your school, and your congregation. Every one of these organizations partners with LEADD.
StopBullying.gov
Federal resources for parents, students, and schools.
Sandy Hook Promise — Say Something®
Free anonymous reporting program used in 10,000+ schools.
PACER National Bullying Prevention Center
Toolkits and student-led campaigns.
Cyberbullying Research Center
Evidence-based fact sheets and parent guides.
Bring this program to your community.
We'll connect you with LEADD officers in your region — at no cost to most schools and churches.
Next Program
Stay-in-School Mentorship