More kids reporting mental health issues to Safe2Tell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The state’s anonymous tip line, Safe2Tell, received almost 700 tips involving kids with mental health issues this past June - contributing to the over 20,000 tips they received during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser oversees the program, and he says the number one tip they receive involves threats of suicide. Safe2Tell received almost 4,000 of those tips this past school year.

Experts believe kids’ increased screen-time - could be a big part of the problem.

“With school out of session, and people doing online learning, cyber bullying has really moved up in terms of threats that students are facing," says Weiser

Unfortunately, kids in Colorado are no stranger to mental health issues.

“Safe2Tell program is one of the important legacies of Columbine," says Weiser. "People knew about those students who shot a number of students in school - but no one knew where they could go."

Leaders at District 20 in Colorado Springs say they aren't taking any chances when it comes to their students.

This summer, the district is offering free counseling services to students.

Leaders at the district say those services will continue to be available even if schools don't return to in-person learning come fall.

If you know a child who is struggling with their mental health, you can submit a tip anonymously to Safe2Tell here.