October Safe2Tell report shows bullying as the top reported category for third consecutive month

Nov. 14, 2023 (DENVER) — Safe2Tell report volume increased 37% in October 2023 when compared to the same month last year, according to the monthly report released today. Notably, this marks the third consecutive month where bullying is the top reported category, a trend not seen in over a decade.

Back in the 2012-2013 school year, bullying was the top reported category for 10 consecutive months. Since then, suicide threats have consistently maintained the top spot every year.

“While we cannot definitively conclude whether the data suggests an increase in bullying incidents or simply greater awareness among students leading to more reporting, one fact remains evident; our children trust and know when to use Safe2Tell,” explained Attorney General Phil Weiser. “It’s heartening to witness the ongoing success of the program in empowering Colorado students to voice their safety concerns. And, at the same time, it’s disheartening to hear how much our students are suffering.”

In October, the program received 2,855 reports, which is a 5% increase over September reports. Bullying (297), suicide threats (277), and school complaints (267) were among the top categories of reports. In addition, report volume for the 2023-2024 school year is up 36% from this point last year with 7,045 reports.

“This year’s surge in report volume underscores the collective responsibility we all hold in safeguarding our schools. We urge students to keep using Safe2Tell to address safety concerns promptly and anonymously,” said Stacey Jenkins, Director of Safe2Tell.

In this school year, false reports are 3% 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 October, anonymous reports from students and other individuals successfully helped protect students’ safety. For example:

• A person reported concerns about a student who may attempt suicide. Local teams conducted a welfare check and spoke with the student and their parents. The student expressed not feeling suicidal but depressed. School teams are aware, and the school counselor will check in with the student.
• A person reported a student was sharing explicit photos of another student with their peers. School teams investigated and spoke with the student, which resulted in their phone being factory reset. The student’s parents were notified, and the student was referred to a sexting prevention education course in their county.

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

###