Students continue to be connected to critical support through Safe2Tell

Students continue to be connected to critical support through Safe2Tell

Dec. 10, 2024 (DENVER) - Despite a 20% decrease in report volume from October to November, Safe2Tell has received 12,818 reports since the start of the 2024-25 school year, a 28% increase compared to the same point last year. According to the monthly report released today by the Colorado Attorney General's Office, the program continues to play a critical role in student safety, with November's 2,790 reports leading to life-saving interventions.

"Safe2Tell's growth in reports is both a testament to the trust students place in this vital resource and a sobering reminder that too many of our youth are struggling," said Attorney General Phil Weiser. "While it's encouraging to see more individuals reaching out for help, it underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of these challenges and ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive."

The most common issues reported in November included suicide (335), bullying (289), and school safety concerns involving staff (220). The latter category is new this year and covers a range of issues, such as allegations of inappropriate staff behavior.

"Every report submitted to Safe2Tell represents a moment of connection like a student reaching out for help, or a concerned individual stepping up to make a difference," explained Safe2Tell Director Stacey Jenkins. "These reports highlight the importance of listening to our youth and ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to navigate difficult times."

False reports make up 2.2% of all reports submitted to the program this year. False reports are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.

November's report also highlights the impact of Safe2Tell's platform in protecting students' lives:

• Intervention in a case of abuse: A person reported a student was couch hopping because they were being abused at home. School teams and local law enforcement conducted a welfare check. The student is getting counseling, and the Department of Human Services is involved.
• Addressing suicide threats: A person reported a student expressed suicidal ideation. Local law enforcement spoke with the student and their parents, the student confirmed having thoughts of ending their life, and the student is receiving counseling services in and outside of school.

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 required by 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, by texting S2TCO to 738477, or through the Safe2Tell mobile app which is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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