October Safe2Tell report shows 72% increase in tips when compared to October 2020

Nov. 9, 2021 (DENVER)—Safe2Tell tip volume increased last month when compared to October 2020, according to the monthly report released today.

In October, the program received 2,049 tips, a 72% increase in monthly tip volume compared to October 2020, which is likely due to students returning to in-person learning following school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date for the 2021-2022 school year, Safe2Tell has received 5,168 tips, a 74% increase from the previous school year.

Suicide threats (274), bullying (155), and school complaints (135) were the top categories of tips reported to the program in October.

“During what can be a challenging time of year for many students, we should all work together to support each other and to ensure Colorado’s young people are safe,” Weiser said. “As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to remember that whether students are in school or on vacation, Safe2Tell is always available to report safety concerns.”

In this school year, false tips are 1.9% of all tips submitted to Safe2Tell. False tips are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.

In October, anonymous tips from students and other individuals successfully helped protect students’ safety. For example:

• A person reported that a student was selling drugs and vapes to other students. Law enforcement searched the student and found they were in possession of drug paraphernalia. Law enforcement issued a citation to the student, whom the school also suspended.
• A person reported that a student may be struggling with an eating disorder. The school social worker and the dean will be working with the family.

The following is an example of unintentional misuse of the program:

• A person reported that they were tired of reading opinion articles in a newspaper that were submitted by a particular group.

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 tips 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.

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