The State of Illinois has developed a school safety hotline called Safe2HelpIL in an effort to raise awareness of 21st-century threats facing school children in Illinois.
Mission:
In the absence of a trusted adult, Safe2HelpIL offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. This program is not intended to suspend, expel, or punish students. Rather, the goal is to encourage students to “Seek Help Before Harm.” Safe2HelpIL has developed a toolkit aimed at changing the culture in Illinois schools while also providing the resources to help parents and educators reinforce the components of this program.
About Safe2HelpIL:
Safe2HelpIL is a 24/7 program where students can use a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIL.com) to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. Once vetted, the information provided will be shared with local district and school officials and/or local PSAP/9-1-1- call center, depending on the nature of the information shared.
In visiting with other states that have implemented similar programs, we found the two most common issues have been threats of suicide and bullying, and in the first 3 years of the program this has held true in Illinois. Similar school safety programs in other states have been assessed as effective in helping prevent acts of school violence. In fact, on the first day of Nevada’s program, a tip successfully thwarted a potential school attack.
Changing the Culture:
This is a state-wide resource working to positively change school culture in Illinois. We hope to address the stigma associated with mental health issues, foster a culture of kindness, and provide preventative resources to students, educators, administrators, and parents.