Significant Increase in Bullying & Suicide Attempts Among Colorado Students
Colorado students have reported a significant increase of “concerning issues” during the 2022-23 academic year, according to the annual report of Safe2Tell, a program created after the tragic 1999 Columbine High School shootings.
According to the report released by the Colorado Attorney General's Office, 22,486 reports were made to Safe2Tell during the last school year, a 16% increase from the previous year and even slightly higher than the pre-pandemic levels of 22,332 in 2018-2019.
This surge in report numbers, which includes concerns about bullying and suicide, has experts and officials concerned about the mental health and well-being of students.
Dr. Lauren Eckhart, clinical director of the Colorado Springs Division of Children's Hospital Colorado's Pediatric Mental Health Institute, expressed her concern over the increasing use of Safe2Tell, stating that "these kids are using this lifeline, and they are using it more and more often." With bullying reports jumping by 40%, totaling to 1,992 tips, and reports of suicide increasing by 7% from the previous year, it is evident that students are facing serious challenges that require attention and support.
However, the reasons behind the surge in report numbers are yet to be determined. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser raised the question of whether the increase is due to students returning to school and being more aware of the program, or if it is a result of them facing issues that are more prevalent on school campuses, such as bullying.
One positive aspect of the report is the increase in children and teens feeling more comfortable reporting incidents of bullying.
This indicates a shift in the mindset of the younger generation, who are willing to speak up and address issues that affect them and their peers. Parents are encouraged to use Safe2Tell's annual report as a conversation starter with their children, to promote discussions about mental health and bullying.
While the increase in report numbers is concerning, there is also the worry that some cases are going unreported. Weiser highlighted the fact that there are still reports that the program is not aware of, and this is a cause for alarm.
Safe2Tell has become an essential tool in promoting safety and preventing youth violence, and it is crucial that all reports are made to ensure the effectiveness of the program.
The Attorney General's Office has released limited data on the outcomes of these reports, which shows that about half of the suicide reports resulted in a welfare check, and only 3% resulted in a person being placed on a mental health hold or hospitalized.
Furthermore, the report also highlights that Safe2Tell has begun tracking "two-way dialogue" when a report is received. This allows for better communication and understanding of the issues reported, leading to potential resolutions.
Roughly one in four reports included two-way dialogue, a positive development for the program.
Overall, the annual report released by Safe2Tell highlights the ongoing challenges that students in Colorado face. It serves as a reminder for parents, schools, and the community to address issues of mental health and bullying and provide necessary support to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth.
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