Safe2Say Something program aims to decrease school violence through an anonymous reporting system

Freedom+Area+Middle+School+principal+Mr.+Smith+introduces+Safe2Say+Something+program+to+middle+school+students+at+an+assembly+on+Oct.+2

Bryson Deal

Freedom Area Middle School principal Mr. Smith introduces Safe2Say Something program to middle school students at an assembly on Oct. 2

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed immediate attention or help, but you were too afraid or embarrassed to come forward with your concern to an adult? Safe2Say Something is a way for you to do just that, anonymously.  

Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, according to the Safe2Say Something website. The program “teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals from individuals, especially within social media, who may be a threat to themselves or others and to ‘say something’ BEFORE it is too late.” 

“Safe2Say Something has a great impact and will stay with us for a very long time,” says Freedom Area Middle School principal Ryan Smith.

The program allows students, parents or community members to anonymously report a concern at any time of the day. You can contact help through the app, website, or even just by calling the Attorney General Office directly. From there, the concern will be addressed immediately by law enforcement and school personnel, who will investigate the issue and take action to prevent any potential violence. If needed, Beaver County emergency services could be notified as well.

“Since January of 2019, Freedom Area School District has had 14 tips through Safe2Say Something. Every single one of those has led to a successful outcome, whether through a preventative measure or through intervention to stop an intended action”, said Smith.

To anonymously report a concern, visit https://www.safe2saypa.org/ or call 1-844-723-2729. If it is an emergency, please call 911.