Safe2Say program sees success, improvement
By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – The Safe2Say Something program, an anonymous reporting system implemented by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, has completed its sixth year of operation in schools across the commonwealth.
Speaking from Carlisle High School Monday, Attorney General Dave Sunday and Sen. Greg Rothman, R-New Bloomfield, said the program saves lives and has become more effective over time.
The tool allows students to anonymously report tips about violence and other concerns they have in their community to the Attorney General’s office, who then vets them and passes the information along to the appropriate agencies. For instance, a report of suicidal ideation would be referred to the student’s school, who would then work with parents and the school’s mental health resources to assist the struggling student.
“The pressure at school stays with the students 24 hours, seven days a week,” said Sunday, who noted that students are facing different pressures and challenges than he and others who came of age before cell phones and the Internet did.
In the 2024-2025 school year, students reported bullying and cyberbullying, suicidal ideation, and drug distribution the most. The majority of those tips came in through an app, which allows students to use their “preferred communication channels.”
In several instances, the program has averted situations that could easily have turned to tragedy.
“The data shows that this program is being used by students speaking out about bullying, threats, and other concerning conduct in their communities. We also strongly believe that the program has saved lives, as we have seen recoveries of weapons in cases where threats of violence were made,” said Sunday.
Since its inception, the program has received more than 185,000 tips. Carlisle accounted for 750 of those. The 2024-2025 school year alone saw more than 32,000 tips statewide. The program continues to operate over the summer.
“This issue is too big to be solved by one person – we have to work together,” said Rothman. “Through the Safe2Say Something program, we are teaching our students that they have responsibilities to help police, and to help keep their communities safe.”
The office noted that the quality of tips has improved as districts have worked to educate their students about the process. Training allows students to know what to expect, including the preservation of their anonymity. This year, more than 520,000 students were trained.
“This tool has strengthened the partnership among the district, students, families, educators, and local law enforcement,” Dr. Colleen Friend, superintendent of Carlisle Area schools, said. “We are proud of our students who have used Safe2Say to protect themselves and their peers. Their courage in speaking up has made a real difference.”
