(The Center Square) – Safe2Tell saw a 74% increase in reports for September 2024 compared to September 2023, according the Colorado Attorney General’s office.
The increase comes due to an increase “school threats and safety concerns,” a release said.
September 2024 saw 4,729 reports, setting a new record for the state.
“This past month highlights exactly why the Safe2Tell program is so critical—to prevent the worst-case scenarios from happening to Colorado students,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement. “The program remains a vital tool for students and communities to proactively address safety concerns. We encourage students to speak up, knowing they are making a difference in keeping their peers and schools safe.”
September 2024 marked a 162% increase in reports compared to August, with the biggest issues being suicide (354), bullying (305), and school safety concerns: staff (253).
The reports cover “any student safety concern involving a staff member, with reports ranging from inappropriate language by staff, or allegations of a teacher-student relationship, to even a teacher assigning too much homework contributing to a student’s depression and anxiety,” the release said.