May Safe2Tell report shows increase in tips when compared to May 2020

June 8, 2021 (DENVER)—Safe2Tell tip volume increased last month when compared to May 2020, according to the monthly report released today.

In May, the program received 1,303 tips, a 49% increase in monthly tip volume compared to May 2020. To date for the 2020-2021 school year, Safe2Tell has received 10,460 tips, a 47% decrease from the 2019-2020 school year, which is likely due to delayed school openings and distance learning practices that are a result of the pandemic.

Suicide threats (252), welfare checks (86), and bullying (78) were the top categories of tips reported to the program in May.

“This summer, we can all work together to protect the health and safety of youth in our communities,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “Safe2Tell remains available throughout the summer and reporting urgent safety concerns to the program can save lives whether or not school is in session.”

False tips are down to 1.6% from the previous school year’s 2.5% of all tips submitted to Safe2Tell, which is also likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. False tips are those that contain untrue information and are submitted with the intent to harm, injure, or bully another person.

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

• A report was submitted that a student was bullying and harassing two other students. Law enforcement investigated and spoke with all parties involved and their parents and resolved the issue.

The following is an example of misuse of the program:

• A report was submitted that a student put something inappropriate in the anonymous box at school. The school reported back that the tip will be handled by its administrative team. Such reports can be submitted directly to school administration.

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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