LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Speak up when you see bullying, self-harm or threats of school violence.
That’s what leaders with the Nevada Department of Education encourage students to do at school, which will be back in session on August 12th.
The Clark County School District just posted on X about the SafeVoice app and hotline to raise awareness, even during the summer months.
SafeVoice is an anonymous way to report school violence, bullying and more. But bullying doesn’t just happen when class is in session.
Middle school Art teacher, Amy Reusch with CCSD says the anonymous tip reporting system can save lives. This is incredibly important to her since a student in another district she used to teach at took his own life.
”What was so devastating was you always hear you’ve got to look for these indicators, these suicidal signs in this depression. And he didn’t show any of those,” Reusch said.
This incident made Reusch want to be a resource for her students who might be struggling with their mental health.
According to new numbers from the Nevada Department of Education, bullying was by far the number one tip reported to SafeVoice from January of 2018, through July 2024 at just over 6,300 complaints.
Between June 2023 and June 2024, just over 10,000 tips of all kinds were reported.
That’s a 6% increase from the previous year.
Reusch worries those numbers would be even higher if more people felt comfortable coming forward.
“I think one of our biggest struggles right now is that not enough is being done about the bullies,” Reusch said.
As far as those who are being picked on, Reusch adds they worry they’ll be targeted once the bully gets back from suspension.
However, the fact that you can go unnamed is what makes people feel comfortable sharing, according to CCSD Police Department Sergeant, Jovan Mingo.
“With it being anonymous, anybody can call in for anything, whether it’s relative to school, relative to the community or not, people feel free,” Mingo said. “They feel a lot safer in the sense to report whatever that concern, issue or crime may be.”
SafeVoice allows students, parents and school staff across Nevada to report a tip on the app or call the hotline. Based on the complaint, either a member of law enforcement, behavioral health services or a school leader will get in touch with the tipster.
Getting more specific, a report of a gun is sent to Las Vegas Valley law enforcement. Bullying reports must follow bullying laws and will be responded to according to the information in the tip, according to the Nevada Department of Education.
Deputy Superintendent for Educator Effectiveness and Family Engagement with the Nevada Department of Education, Christy McGill says it’s a lifesaving resource given the severity of some of the complaints that come in.
“The third most used concern of SafeVoice is suicidal ideation,” McGill said. “It’s an important tool when it comes to physical safety, but also mental health safety as well.”
If you or anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you can always call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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