Scott Crabtree
Central High School students leave after a day at school on Thursday, Nov. 17.
Safe2Tell, the statewide resource for students to anonymously report any concerns or incidents they experience at school, saw the most monthly reports in its history in February.
There were 3,224 reports in February as students struggled with mental health issues such as suicide and eating disorders. This report volume constituted a 35% increase over January (2,387).
Through the end of February, there were 18,049 Safe2Tell reports around the state for the 2023-2024 school year, a roughly 40% increase from this time last year. The top categories of reports include school complaints (380), suicide (335) and bullying (322).
Mesa County Valley School District 51 similarly saw a sharp increase in Safe2Tell reports in February, both when compared to January and when compared to previous Februaries. There were 86 tips received in February in District 51, a 38.7% increase from January (62).
Last February, there were 60 Safe2Tell reports in District 51, and in February 2022, there were 52 reports, showing a 65.4% increase in February Safe2Tell reports over the past two years.
“Since February is a short month, this unprecedented increase in report volume is unexpected,” said Safe2Tell Director Stacey Jenkins in a statement from the organization. “The good news is more students than ever were connected with the help they needed, safeguarding our children’s well-being and safety.”
There have been 29 Safe2Tell reports in District 51 through the first 12 days of March.
Safe2Tell has determined that 95% of reports in the state that have been received this school year have been valid. Valid reports are defined as “those requiring a response and are made with the intent to protect, prevent harm or help.” False reports made up 3.8% of reports and misused reports made up the remaining 1.2%.
“Safe2Tell empowers students by offering an anonymous avenue to seek help and support for their classmates, as well as themselves,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in Safe2Tell’s statement. “While this increase in report volume is a sobering reminder of how much young people today are hurting, I’m encouraged by the fact that these students are being proactive in looking out for one another.”
