April 12, 2022 (DENVER)—Safe2Tell report volume slightly increased last month when compared to February, according to the monthly report released today. Historically, reports decrease during months when schools are on break, and spring break occurs most often in March.
In March, the program received 1,838 reports, a 1% increase in monthly report volume compared to February 2022. To date for the 2021-22 school year, Safe2Tell has received 14,809 reports.
Suicide threats (263), bullying (171), and welfare checks (146) were the top categories of reports in March. Welfare checks are usually reports that express concern about a peer.
“While last month’s increase was slight, it indicates that communities value and use Safe2Tell even when schools are not in session. And as one of our report examples demonstrates this month, submitting an anonymous report to Safe2Tell can help keep students safe, especially if your intention is to make sure they receive the help they need,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “Speaking up, either to a trusted adult or through an anonymous report to Safe2Tell, can make a positive difference in someone’s life.”
In this school year, false reports are 1.9% of all reports submitted to Safe2Tell. False reports are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.
In March, anonymous reports from students and other individuals successfully helped protect students’ safety. For example:
- A person reported seeing a student show another student what appeared to be a gun. Local law enforcement investigated and found the student had a splat ball gun and not a real gun. The school resource officer spoke with the parent and student, and school disciplinary action was taken.
- A student reported that another student was talking about self-harm and using drugs. Local teams spoke with the Crisis Response Team, the student, and family and the student was transferred to a hospital.
The following is an example of unintentional misuse of the program:
- A person reported their concerns regarding a school district employee’s qualifications. This person was encouraged to contact the school district in the future.
Safe2Tell is a successful violence intervention and prevention program for students to anonymously report threats to their own, and others’, safety. Safe2Tell is not an emergency response unit nor mental health counseling service provider; it is a conduit of information for distributing anonymous reports to local law enforcement and school officials pursuant to state law.
To make a report, individuals can call 1-877-542-7233 from anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reports also can be made at Safe2Tell.org or through the Safe2Tell mobile app which is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.