“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Why We Are Making it Safe2Tell … April 20, 1999 15 Dead 23 Wounded

Secret Service Safe School Initiative Threat Assessment Study: In 81% of violent incidents in U.S. schools, someone other than the attacker knew it was going to happen but failed to report it. “As part of its protective responsibilities, the United States Secret Service has long held the view that the best protective strategy is prevention.” – www.secretservice.gov

How Safe2Tell Works • Students call 1-877-542-SAFE or use safe2tell.org • NO CALLER I.D. • NO CALL TRACING OR RECORDING • NO VOICEMAIL OR ANSWERING MACHINE • Calls answered 24/7 at Colorado State Patrol Communications Center • ANONYMITY preserved by state law and operational safeguards • Reports are forwarded to schools, law enforcement or both • All valid reports are investigated • Outcomes tracked by Safe2Tell

Safe2tell is a Colorado Law • To protect the caller, no caller ID, no testimony • Protects the caller from retaliation, isolation • Serves as an open line of communication • Allows for earlier intervention and prevention • Fosters safe learning environment • Saves investigative hours • Serves as a deterrent

Students Know …. • Who is stealing • Who has drugs • Who is carrying weapons • Who is threatening suicide • About fights and bullying • About parties with alcohol and drugs “Students have the best information of what is happening in their schools and in their community. Safe2Tell provides a safe way for kids to pass on this information to adults who can make a difference.” Ken Salazar, United States Senator

Why We Don’t Tell …. • Fear of retaliation • Fear of social isolation • Peer pressure to remain silent • Fear of being labeled a “snitch” • “Code of Silence” is the norm

Cyber Bullying Lori Drew, left, is accused of taunting Megan Meier (center) to the point where she committed suicide. Megan's mother Tina, is pictured right. (AP PHOTO)

“SEXTING” Electronic messages that contain any nude, semi-nude, erotic or suggestive material “Delete or Report it. Never Forward or Show it”

Cyber Bullying Escalates ….. Girls Record Brutal Attack On Teen To Allegedly Post On “YouTube” Once you send something out on the internet, you can never get it back

INTERNET SAFETY • Chat Rooms • Text Message Chats • Personal Web Pages • Cell Phone Pics & Videos on You Tube • Digital Devices as Media Outlets • Once you put it on the web .. you can never get it back. • Stay SAFE: Only chat with people you know & confirm.

The Ryan Halligan Story www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org

Youth Suicide Statistics • Nationally, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students and the 3rd leading cause of death among all youth 15–24 years old. • In Colorado, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. • In the U.S., 15 % of high school students report having seriously considered suicide during the previous 12 months. • Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warnings.

SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS • Abrupt changes in personality • Giving away possessions • Previous suicide attempt • Use of drugs and/or alcohol • Change in eating patterns • Change in sleeping patterns • Unwillingness or inability to communicate • Depression • Extreme or extended boredom • Accident prone (carelessness) • Unusual sadness, discouragement & • loneliness • Talk of wanting to die • Neglect of academic work or personal • appearance • Family disruptions - divorce, trauma, losing • loved one • Running away from home or truancy from • school • Rebelliousness - reckless behavior • Withdrawal from people/activities they love • Confusion - Inability to concentrate • Chronic Pain, Panic or Anxiety • Perfectionism • Restlessness

Safe2Tell Statistic: 170 Suicides Prevented “It is only the betrayal of a friend NOT to tell when someone needs help”

Shooter Warning Signs • Attackers make plans • Attackers talk about their plans • There is no consistent, reliable profile • Attackers have easy access to guns • School staff are often the first responders • Attackers are often encouraged by others • Bullying is often a factor • Warning signs of problem behaviors are common • Shooters are frequently suicidal “Threats in school should be treated like the word “bomb” in an airport: take every threat seriously.”

Secret Service By-Stander Study “Some bystanders disbelieved that the attacks would occur and thus did not report them.” • A number of bystanders reported not disclosing information related to the threat to a responsible adult because they did not believe the event would ever occur. • The student made the threat or voiced the plan repeatedly and over a long period of time, had been engaged in what might be considered attention-seeking behaviors, and had made peculiar comments. • The described threat seemed unbelievable because it was so extreme. In one case, a bystander who had overheard some of the conspirators discussing their plans in great detail “didn’t think anything of it . . . [didn’t] think they would really do it” and therefore the bystander did not tell anyone.

Secret Service By-Stander Study “Some bystanders disbelieved that the attacks would occur and thus did not report them.” • The student’s tone when making the threat did not seem serious or it was thought he was joking. For instance, bystanders made comments such as “he kept eating his pizza while discussing the event” and “he’d say it violently but then laugh about it.” • The threats or statements were overt, repetitive, and/or clearly overheard by school personnel. This led the students to mistakenly believe that the threateners (and therefore the threats) were not serious. • Bystanders often misjudged the likelihood and immediacy of the planned attack. • Bystanders reported that often they did not come forward with information related to the potential attack because they felt they had more time to decide on an appropriate action.

Telling is NOT Snitching “Silence doesn’t save a life … breaking the code of silence just might” TELL SOMEONE

Dating Violence & Stalking Colorado Springs Gazette November 2007 “Michael didn't know the girl in his car. He was just helping out a friend who didn't have a car. Less than half an hour after picking up Tiffany at Doherty High School, Fisher was dead, shot by her ex-boyfriend.” Wasson/Doherty Tragedy 2007 2 Dead, 2 Injured

Risk Behaviors • Car Surfing • Huffing • “Pharming” • Choking Game • Cutting • Fight Clubs • Street Racing

Find Your Power Within Take a Stand Honor Courage Integrity • Make Decisions & Choices • From the Inside/Out Kindness Honesty Respect Make a Difference

What the Research Says About Safe Schools, Health and Academic Performance When students feel safe at school: • They have better physical health • They are less likely to drop-out of school • They have higher test scores • They have better overall grade point averages CSPV 2006 (Controlling for grade in school, race, ethnic composition, % subsidized meals, average parent education, % ESL students)

How YOU Can Make a Difference: • Raise awareness by telling other students • Educate your family about Safe2Tell • Add 877-542-SAFE to your cell phone • Link safe2tell.org to your web page or blog • When a dangerous or threatening situation • arises … MAKE THE CALL

Please Contact For More Information info@safe2tell.org www.safe2tell.org 719.520.7435

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”