You have a voice, say something!

Every year, millions of youth hurt themselves or others in schools and communities throughout the United States. The abuse can be seen through verbal, physical, and digital platforms.

Any abuse can cause youth to experience emotional trauma, physical injury, mental health issues, stress, anxiety, and feelings of usefulness. Unfortunately, the outcome often results in self-harm, suicide, or even homicide.

Safe2Say Something is here to help schools become a safer place for students.

According to the Safe2Say Something website, it is “a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.” It teaches people to recognize the warning signs from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others.

“There’s just no way with how many people here that we are going to be able to see all these signs unless there is some kind of interpersonal contact,” said Spring-Ford Police Chief David Boyer during the assembly announcing the new program March 5.

Did you know that school shooters and people who commit suicide are likely to tell somebody about their plans or give a warning sign? Some warning signs include: being withdrawn from others, bullying or hitting, displays of excessive anger, extreme mood changes, or thoughts or plans or harming one’s self or others.

Safe2Say Something also lets students make confidential safety reports to prevent tragedies and violence in their school. Students can help save their life and the lives of others.

Need to report something?

All one needs to do is report an anonymous tip through https://www.safe2saypa.org or the free Safe2Say Something App. A crisis center will review the submission and send it to school administration or law enforcement.

If needed, the crisis center may contact you anonymously through their app. Nobody will ever know if you submit a tip.

If you have an immediate emergency, you need to call 911 or go to your local hospital Emergency Department. Other phone numbers available are the Children’s Mobile Crisis Support hotline (888-435-7414) or the Teen Talk line (1-800-273-8255 or text 215-703-8411).

What tips should be submitted?

You should submit a tip to Safe2Say Something if you think that someone is going to harm themselves or others, see something concerning online, see one of the warning signs listed above, or if something makes you feel uncomfortable.

“Don’t be afraid to use this [Safe2Say Something] if you see something you don’t like or you hear something,” Spring-Ford Area School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Allyn Roche said at the assembly. “You are the eyes and ears of all of this.”