Newton County Schools Launches Say Something Anonymous Reporting System for Students in Grades 4–12
New safety initiative teaches students to recognize warning signs, speak up, and get help
Newton County Schools is launching the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, a new districtwide safety initiative for students in grades 4–12 designed to empower them to recognize warning signs, speak up when something does not seem right, and get help for themselves or others. As part of the program, students will receive customized, age-appropriate training based on their grade level.
Developed by Sandy Hook Promise, the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System provides students and concerned adults with a safe and anonymous way to report potential threats, concerning behavior, or signs that someone may be at risk of harming themselves or others.
“Keeping our students and staff safe requires all of us to play a role,” said Newton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III. “Our students often see or hear things that adults may not, whether it is in a conversation at school, through a text message, or on social media. Say Something gives them the knowledge and a safe way to speak up when they are concerned about themselves, a friend, or someone else.”
As part of the program, NCS students in grades 4–12 will learn how to recognize warning signs and threats, take them seriously and act immediately, and “say something” by telling a trusted adult or submitting an anonymous report. Students will learn to recognize concerning behaviors they may see or hear in person as well as those that appear online or through social media. These three steps—recognize the signs, act immediately and take it seriously, and say something—form the foundation of the Say Something program.
Through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, reports can be submitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Say Something mobile app, the SaySomething.net website, or by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW (1-844-572-9669). Parents and guardians may also use the system to report concerns.
Reports are received by Sandy Hook Promise’s National Crisis Center, which is staffed around the clock by trained crisis counselors. Counselors review reports, gather additional information when needed, and work with school and district officials and, when necessary, law enforcement to help ensure concerns are addressed appropriately.
The system can be used to report a wide range of concerns. Examples identified by Sandy Hook Promise include bullying and cyberbullying, threats of violence, planned fights or attacks, self-harm, suicide threats or ideation, substance abuse, and other behaviors that may indicate someone needs help.
An important component of the initiative is helping students understand that speaking up is not about getting someone in trouble. It is about getting someone help.
“We want our students to know that if something worries them, they should never feel like they have to carry that concern alone,” Bradley said. “Tell a trusted adult. Use the reporting system. Say something. One report could help us intervene before a situation becomes more serious, and it could make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.”
As NCS introduces the program, students in grades 4–12 will receive customized, age-appropriate training designed specifically for their grade level. Students will learn how to recognize warning signs, when and how to seek help, the importance of telling a trusted adult, and how to use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. District and school personnel will also receive specialized training on responding to and managing reports.
Say Something is one component of Newton County Schools’ ongoing efforts to provide students with safe, supportive learning environments.
Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization focused on educating and empowering youth and adults to help prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Its Know the Signs programs teach young people and adults to recognize warning signs that someone may be in crisis or at risk of harming themselves or others and how to get help.
Additional information about the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, including resources for parents and students, will be available on the Newton County Schools website.
For more information:
Say Something Anonymous Reporting Program