The Safe2Tell program in Colorado has reported a significant spike in the number of issues reported as students headed back to school for the 2024-2025 academic year. In a recent release, the Colorado Attorney General's Office highlighted that in August alone there was a 23% increase in reports over the same period last year, with figures reaching 1,807. According to the Colorado Attorney General's Office, this rise continues a trend seen in the previous year.

"By encouraging early reporting, we’re helping to create a future where issues are addressed before they lead to tragedy," Attorney General Phil Weiser said, as per the Colorado Attorney General's Office. With the arrival of a new school year, August reports typically surge, and this year was no exception, showing a 145% increase from July. On returning to school, the most common issues students report include suicide threats, bullying, and now concerns about the school staff, contributing to the growth of the program.

New reporting categories have been established by Safe2Tell to better address the nuances of school safety. These categories, dedicated to staff, facility, and policy-related matters, came in response to a diverse range of issues highlighted throughout the previous school year. 

While most reports lead to positive interventions, false reports constitute 2.2% of all submissions. These are defined as reports containing untrue information submitted with the intent of causing harm or bullying. Despite this small percentage, the platform remains a crucial tool in the effort to protect students. As reported, one student, after speaking with their school team due to feeling unsafe at home, was connected to the Department of Human Services and will receive ongoing support from the school psychologist. Another report led to proactive measures being put in place for a student and their family who had been victims of gun violence, such proactive measures include a threat assessment and an additional security presence at school.

Safe2Tell serves as a conduit for students, teachers, and others to anonymously report potential threats to student safety. It acts neither as an emergency service nor a counseling provider but as a means to deliver reports to appropriate local authorities. Coloradans can make a report by calling 1-877-542-7233, submitting through the Safe2Tell website, texting S2TCO to 738477, or using the mobile app available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.