Safe2Tell reports surged in September breaking several records

DENVER (KDVR) — Safe2Tell, the anonymous reporting system for schools in Colorado, saw a significant rise in reports in September and broke the record for reports received in a month.

September’s Safe2Tell report in 2024 shows an increase of 74% compared to September of last year. A total of 4,729 reports were made during the month, with an uptick in reports of school threats and safety concerns. The total amount of reports also beat the previous record established in February by 47%.

“This past month highlights exactly why the Safe2Tell program is so critical, to prevent the worst-case scenarios from happening to Colorado students,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “The program remains a vital tool for students and communities to proactively address safety concerns. We encourage students to speak up, knowing they are making a difference in keeping their peers and schools safe.”

September reports also increased by 162% from the previous month, August, although school was only in session for part of that month.

The highest amount of reports received involved suicide with 354 reports, bullying with 305 reports and school safety concerns: staff. Reports made in the school safety concerns: staff category can pertain to any student concern involving a staff member. Reports received included staff using inappropriate language, relationships between staff and students and even more general reports such as assigning too much homework which can lead to increased stress and depression for students.

Colorado also followed a nationwide trend in September of more reports of threats with 239 reports and planned school attacks with 193 reports. Many of these reports come after the discovery of the threats and plans on social media. With multiple eyes on each of these posts, September also set the record for the highest amount of duplicate reports at 1,438.

“We typically see an uptick in reporting after a tragedy like the one in Georgia, as students become more vigilant,” said Safe2Tell Director Stacey Jenkins. “Instead of reposting this information on social media, we encourage you to tell a trusted adult. And if one isn’t available, please report it to Safe2Tell.”

Safe2Tell also released that only 2.1% of reports received are considered false reports which are reports submitted with false information aimed to harm, injure or bully another person.

Two significant instances of protecting students reported in the month of September included a report of a student throwing a knife at another student. Local authorities reached out to the student’s parents to create a preventative plan to increase safety for students. Another notable report was made after a social media post mentioning explosives in a classroom and for students to not go to school was discovered. Authorities investigated the incident and arrested the student who made the social media post.

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.

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