Pennsylvania is designating this as Safe2Say Something Week in recognition at a program designed to make things safer for students.
The program launched in 2019 in an effort to help curtail school violence, but State Senator Pat Browne notes that it has also had another impact.
“While the original intent of the program was to prevent threats against schools, the Safe2Say Something program has identified a variety of behaviors and mental health issues,” Browne said. “From July 2021 to June 2022, the top three categories in tips were bullying and cyberbullying in school, and suicide identification and prevention.”
The Safe2Say Something program can be downloaded as an app or tips can be submitted online. All tips are anonymous.
Overall, the program has received more than 82,000 reports in the last three years. Students receive training in the program each year as well.