NEWS RELEASE
ATTORNEY GENERAL PHIL WEISER
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Safe2Tell received 1,468 reports in August, a 37% increase when compared to August 2022, according to the monthly report released today. The number of reports also increased by 197% since July 2023, which is typical for the program, as the higher volume is caused by the return to school.
Bullying (164), suicide threats (123), and school complaints (123) were among the top categories of reports. August was the eighth month in a row to surpass reporting volume compared to the same time in 2022.
As August marks the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, Safe2Tell has received 1,468 reports for the academic year.
“Seeing an increase in reporting during August is no surprise,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “With the return to school, Safe2Tell always anticipates higher report volumes during this time of the year. With this being the eighth straight month of increased reporting as compared to last year, it is clear that students, parents, and community members are increasingly aware of the Safe2Tell tool; it is also clear that there are real threats facing our students and that much remains to be done to support our students and children.”
In this school year, false reports are 2.5% 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 August, anonymous reports to Safe2Tell from students and other individuals successfully helped protect students’ safety. For example:
- A person reported that a student posted a picture with a gun in their hand while on school property. Local law enforcement contacted the parents and conducted a welfare check. The student's belongings were searched, and no firearms were found. However, the student confirmed holding a gun in the picture but stated that the gun was not theirs. The student was placed on a safety plan because of the incident.
- A person reported that a student shared that they were feeling suicidal and not receiving the help they need. Local law enforcement conducted a welfare check and spoke with the student and their parent. The student shared they are on a new medication that has been impacting their mood, but that they are feeling better. The student will call for help if something changes, and the parent and school will monitor the student.
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 an information pathway 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, at any time. 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.
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