Idaho’s school safety tipline program continues to grow

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — More Idaho schools are utilizing the State Board of Education’s free confidential tipline ‘See Tell Now!’ 372 schools across the state are enrolled in the program for the 2024/25 school year, an increase of 50 additional schools since the last school year.

“It’s encouraging that more students will have access to See, Tell, Now! this school year,” said Chris Thoms, the Board’s See, Tell Now! program coordinator. “It’s a vital tool for preventing school violence.”

Tiplines nationwide are experiencing increases in students reported threats and the same holds true for See, Tell, Now! “Already this school year we’ve seen an increase in the number of tips received through the system,” said Mike Munger the School Safety and Security program manager. “Students are clearly aware of safety concerns in their schools. The more tips we receive, the better we can prevent potential tragedies.”

Last school year, the system received 586 tips, more than a 20 percent increase from the previous year. The tips varied from safety concerns bullying, to mental health needs.

“We encourage parents and students to talk to their school administrators about See, Tell, Now! If it isn’t yet available in local schools, encourage school leaders to actively participate in the program,” Munger said.

“See, Tell, Now! gives students a voice in their own safety, and that often makes all the difference,” Thoms said.

More information about See, Tell, Now! is available at https://seetellnow.org/