Safe2Tell, a program dedicated to preventing violence in schools, reported a significant 74% increase in reports for September 2024 compared to the same period last year. The monthly report revealed that 4,729 reports were filed, marking a new record and surpassing the previous high set in February 2024 by 47%.
Attorney General Phil Weiser emphasized the importance of the Safe2Tell program: “This past month highlights exactly why the Safe2Tell program is so critical—to prevent the worst-case scenarios from happening to Colorado students.” He encouraged students to continue reporting safety concerns.
The surge in reports included a 162% increase from August. Common issues reported were suicide (354), bullying (305), and school safety concerns involving staff (253). Reports regarding staff covered various issues such as inappropriate language or allegations of teacher-student relationships.
Additionally, there was an uptick in threats (239) and planned school attacks (193). A notable number of duplicate reports (1,438) stemmed from social media misinformation about school threats. These posts often led to repeated reporting of the same incidents due to misinterpretation.
Stacey Jenkins, Director of Safe2Tell, noted: “We typically see an uptick in reporting after a tragedy like the one in Georgia, as students become more vigilant.” She urged individuals to report concerns directly rather than reposting on social media.
False reports accounted for 2.1% of all submissions this year. These are defined as those containing untrue information intended to harm others.
Safe2Tell's anonymous platform played a key role in student safety last month with instances such as investigating a knife-throwing incident and addressing social media threats involving explosives.
Safe2Tell serves as an intervention tool allowing students to anonymously report threats but does not provide emergency response or mental health services. Reports can be made via phone at 1-877-542-7233, online at Safe2Tell.org, by texting S2TCO to 738477, or through their mobile app available on Apple and Google Play stores.