Safe2Tell helping children differently during COVID-19
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Amid school closures due to COVID-19, the Colorado Attorney General's office says the Safe2Tell app is being used for different issues than usual -- like cyber bullying, drug use, neglect and mental health problems.
The Safe2Tell monthly report released this week shows cyber bullying and welfare checks rising to the top three tip categories. These two categories displace reports of bullying and drugs, which are most frequently in the top categories submitted. Suicide remained the top tip submitted to Safe2Tell in April.
"We want parents to know that cyberbullying—bullying that takes place online—is an important concern for students and community members submitting reports to Safe2Tell," said Attorney General Phil Weiser. "As we have all adjusted to having our kids home during school hours, safety concerns have shifted. During this challenging time, Safe2Tell continues to be a trusted resource for students and community members to report any safety concerns, enabling us to work with our community partners to help."
Safe2Tell is a violence intervention and prevention program through the Colorado Attorney General's office for students to anonymously report threats to their own, and others’, safety. It's used as a source of information for distributing anonymous tips to local law enforcement and school officials, according to state law.
"Although anyone can make an anonymous tip to Safe2Tell, our target audience is youth, who often know of safety concerns before adults do," said Essi Ellis, Director of Safe2Tell. "This is especially true now in the age of social media, where kids tend to openly share on platforms that may not be regularly monitored by parents. As this school year wraps, I encourage students to continue reporting concerns to Safe2Tell."
To make a report, you can call 1-877-542-7233, go online to the website, or use the Safe2Tell mobile app.
KRDO plans to go in-depth with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser about the current use of Safe2Tell and the benefits it provides to children.
We'll have the full story tonight on KRDO at five.
