Ways to help someone being bullied in schools: Video
If someone you know is being bullied in school, here are some steps to use for trying to help that person.
- Bullying, suicide, and other concerns like anxiety and depression were the most frequently reported issues.
- Tips led to the confiscation of weapons in 25 instances and drugs/alcohol in 228 instances.
Michigan officials say calls to a confidential student safety tip line surged 20% over 2023, with more than 11,600 tips being called in during 2024 and the largest number about bullying, according to a news release from the Michigan State Police (MSP).
Calls to the OK2SAY tip line totaled 11,671, and the program reached its highest reporting level since its inception in 2014, MSP said on Aug. 4.
“That’s the power of OK2SAY. This isn’t just about reporting concerns; it’s about fostering a culture of courage. Every tip, every act of speaking up, is a testament to a student’s commitment to their community. It’s a student saying, ‘I care, and I want to make a difference.’ This courage is the very foundation of safer schools and stronger communities.,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP in a news release.
State officials say without the program, students may not be willing to come forward and share information, adding that the program eliminates barriers so struggling students can get the help they need before a situation turns into tragedy.
The identity of the tipster is statutorily protected and can only be released with permission of the tipster, the tipster’s parents if they are a minor, or through a court order. Additionally, the information is exempt from the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.
How many students reported incidents in their school in 2024?
The 2024 report shows the tips spanning over 25 categories. Students submitted the most claims for the following categories:
- Bullying – 2,005 tips
- Suicide – 1,608 tips
- Other (e.g., anxiety, stress. depression, harassment) – 1,376 tips
- Drugs – 1,301 tips
- Sexual assault/misconduct /exploitation – 1,059 tips
Additionally, MSP officers said their findings include 25 tips involving the confiscation of weapons and 228 resulting in the seizure of drugs or alcohol.
How the process works
According to the report, after a student submits a tip of a potential safety threat to OK2SAY, through the website, by phone, email, text or mobile app:
- An OK2SAY technician receives and carefully analyzes the tip, and seek to determine the urgency and potential severity of the tip to prioritize response.
- The technician may initiate a confidential dialogue with the tipster to gather details and assess the severity of the concern.
- Once all relevant information is gathered, OK2SAY forwards the tip to the appropriate responding agency.
- The agency, either the school or law enforcement, will investigate the issue and take the necessary precaution.
Did schools respond to the reports submitted by students?
In 2024, 343 schools conducted a comprehensive behavioral threat assessment and/or a suicide assessment because of an OK2SAY tip.