The OK2SAY campaign, which allows students to anonymously submit tips online or by telephone regarding bullying or other safety issues, is being touted as a success in Michigan.
A news release from Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office notes the program has received 10,734 tips since its September, 2014 implementation in the state. That includes 4,605 tips in 2017 alone — up 37 percent from 2016.
Of those, 1,205 regarded suicide threats, 961 involved bullying, 390 related to cases of self-harm, 311 involved drugs, and 287 focused on cyberbullying.
“This program can be categorized as nothing but a success, and it’s a success because Michigan students are using it,” Schuette said in the release.
That includes at Sault Area Public Schools, which began offering OK2SAY to its students roughly three years ago. Superintendent Tim Hall said administrators have been told that some situations within the district have been resolved through the program.
“We’re very pleased about that,” Hall said. “We know it’s a good way for kids who want to make somebody aware of a potential problem to do it anonymously. That’s what it’s designed to do and that’s what it clearly has done.”
The district has an icon on the homepage of its website, saultschools.org, which students can click to submit their concerns. They can also call 8-555-OK2SAY (1-855-565-2729), email ok2say@mi.gov, or text OK2SAY (652729).
Tips are received by trained professionals. A report is filed and acted upon for each one. The news release says OK2SAY has saved lives, prevented school violence, stopped suicide attempts and referred many Michigan students to helpful mental health or social services.
“If it resolves one issue, it’s a good thing,” Hall said.