INTRODUCTION The concept of leakage has been referenced by professionals and researchers for over two decades. However, its significance has grown substantially for Threat Assessment Teams due to the expansion and widespread use of social media. Subject Matter Experts agree that an overall assessment of risk cannot be determined without looking at an individual's online activity as a parallel process when initiating a threat assessment. Leakage can be a cry for help, a sign of inner conflict, or boasts that may look empty but express a serious threat. Leakage is one of the most important clues that may precede an adolescent’s violent act. This Resource Guide will provide School Safety/Threat Assessment (SS/TA) Teams with a functional understanding of emojis commonly used by today’s youth and their association with specific categories of concern. To best use this resource, we encourage SS/TA Teams to attend the Digital Threat Assessment® (DTA) training to better understand digital data collection and best practices for supporting individuals when worrisome online behavior is identified. Safer Schools Together (SST) advises against using your personal accounts and devices when searching for worrisome or threat-related behavior, as there is a possibility that the searching methods demonstrated may notify the Subject(s) of Concern (SOC).
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