Attorney General: Safe to Say Something anonymous tipline has helped avert threats and connect students to services

Attorney General Dave Sundae said Safe to Say Something — an anonymous tip line run through his office — has become a critical prevention tool for Pennsylvania schools, with "over 7,000" incidents reported so far this year.

"Very simply, the Safe to Say Something program is a program that allows kids in school to anonymously report issues," Sundae said, describing reports that range from mental-health concerns to statements that might indicate a student could cause harm. He told the Keystone Education Report that tips have enabled school officials, law enforcement and prosecutors to intervene "prior to something terrible happening."

Why it matters: The program is intended to shift school-safety work from reaction to prevention. Sundae said one tip this year led authorities to an individual who "did have a weapon on them"; the weapon was removed and that person is being prosecuted, an example he used to illustrate the program’s potential to stop violence before it occurs.

Program operations and scope: Britney Klein, identified on the program as the section director of the Child Predator section and the director of Safe to Say Something, said state legislation placed the program with the attorney general’s office. "They wanted to see it in a place where there was a little bit of law enforcement influence into the program but also to keep it separate," Klein said, adding the office operates a 24/7 crisis center and trains districts and students on how the tip line works and how identities are protected.

District perspective: Dr. Brian Uplinger, superintendent of the Hazleton Area School District, said students and parents in his district know the tip line exists and have used it for issues including bullying, suicidal ideation and basic needs such as food or clothing. Uplinger described a recent tip that prompted a wellness check late on a Friday, and follow-up with counselors on Monday. "Our parents especially know that we're going to take care of the situation," he said, stressing the importance of trust in district responses.

Triage and misuse: Klein said staff categorize incoming tips to filter obvious pranks while escalating credible threats. She said the office can investigate false reports and that misuse can carry consequences. Officials repeatedly stressed that in an active emergency people should call 911 rather than rely on the tip line.

What’s next: Officials urged continued training for students and school staff, broader information-sharing between districts and law enforcement, and outreach from the attorney general’s office to provide technical assistance and trainings when requested. The program’s leaders framed the tip line as an element of a broader community response to student safety and well-being.