Safe2Say is a new statewide program in Pennsylvania to help prevent teen violence, suicides, and threats through an anonymous tip line.

According to the Safe2Say presentation shared with students January 29, a million students in the last 30 days have missed one or more school days due to feeling unsafe at or on their way to and from school in America. Another million students have been harassed, threatened, or subjected to other forms of cyberbullying.

These are alarming numbers to students, faculty, and parents. Safe2Say hopes their program will help to prevent these types of situations.

“Even if we only help one person [as a result of Safe2Say] . . . that’s one person we wouldn’t have been able to help before,” expressed high school principal Meghan Murray.

The program has devised a three-step plan to help achieve their goal of making schools a safe environment.

First: looking for warning signs. This is just encouraging students to be more aware of those around them and to pick up on any abnormal behavior, comments, posts, etc.

Second: act immediately. The program allows students to submit anonymous tips, so they should never hesitate from reporting anything out of the ordinary—especially if they suspect someone is at risk of hurting themselves or others.

Third: say something. Whether it be through the app, by phone, by web, or by telling a trusted adult, we cannot be afraid to help someone in need by speaking up.

Though the system is created to ensure the anonymity of its users, any seemingly false tips or tips with malicious intent can be traced back to accounts and can result in individuals being blocked from the system. So please take the app seriously and use it for legitimate tips.

“Students are always encouraged to talk to an adult first. Because that’s going to be much more easily dealt with than going through the system, but all of the options are there so if students don’t feel comfortable, reporting something to the system is about the same. [However] if you misuse the system there are repercussions: you can get blocked,” explained Principal Murray.

The app is being automatically installed on all student iPads; it also can be installed on smart phones—or students can call 844-SAF2SAY or visit www.SAFE2SAYPA.org to share information.

The app, phone line, and web site are monitored 24 hours a day to ensure students’ concerns are addressed quickly.

Safe2Say is meant to be a tool to help make Beaver Area and all PA schools the safest environment they can be, but students need to take it seriously for it to be successful. Always go to a trusted adult first, but if you do not feel comfortable with that the new app will be the next best option.

“If it helps people then I think it’s good; there are downsides but they’re worth it if people are helped,” said senior Brandon Scheffler after hearing the January 29 presentation.