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Record-Breaking Year for OK2SAY: Michigan Students Step Up on Safety
Deena Bruderick
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:12:50 EDT
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Michigan's student safety program, OK2SAY, has just hit its highest number of incident reports since its inception nearly a decade ago.
According to its 2023 Annual Report, there's been a whopping 31% increase in reports compared to last year.
This surge means more Michigan students are stepping up to confidentially report criminal activities and threatening behaviors in their schools.
OK2SAY received nearly 10,000 tips last year, with bullying, suicide, drugs, sexual assault/misconduct/exploitation, and threats topping the list.
Additionally, 236 schools conducted comprehensive behavioral threat and suicide assessments due to OK2SAY tips. Seventy-seven tips resulted in the seizure of drugs or alcohol, and 24 led to the confiscation of weapons.
Colonel James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, praises the program, stating, "OK2SAY is more than a hotline. It is a lifeline. Students stepping up to speak out when they are concerned about safety is making a profound and positive difference."
Parents and grandparents, please encourage your children to speak up if they see something concerning. Together, we can keep our schools and communities safe.
