Safe2Tell reports reach all-time high in 2023-2024 school year

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As the 2023-2024 school year draws to an official close, Safe2Tell saw a significant surge in report volume, with a more than 25 percent increase compared to the previous year. 

The July monthly report, released Tuesday, reveals a total of 28,218 reports for the school year, the highest ever in Safe2Tell’s history.

“Colorado’s students and communities have demonstrated constant vigilance, as evidenced by the substantial increase in Safe2Tell reports that the program received this school year,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “It’s never been harder to be a young person, and we must remain committed to our children’s safety, mental health and well-being.” 

In July alone, Safe2Tell received 738 reports, a 17.5 percent increase from June and a 50 percent rise over July 2023. The most common issues reported in July were suicide (130), cyberbullying (38) and welfare checks (36).

“This increase in reports reflects a collective commitment to creating a safer environment for every student,” explained Safe2Tell Director Stacey Jenkins. “We look forward to building on this progress in the upcoming school year.”

False reports make up 3.7 percent 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.

Safe2Tell’s anonymous reporting platform played a crucial role in protecting students’ safety this past month:

• A report was received about a student bullying another student based on their appearance. School teams notified the parents and will take disciplinary action, monitoring the situation when school resumes.

• Another report highlighted a student using drugs and pressuring others to do the same. School teams are aware, and the dean and counselor will meet with the student when the fall semester begins.

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 (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.