JEFFERSON TWP — Safe2Say Something — a program allowing middle and high school students to anonymously report a threat, bullying and other dangers — is popular among students at a local high school that experienced student safety concerns in recent months.

Knoch High School student Jacob Mock said the school previously had an anonymous tip line, but he wasn't sure where the information was going or how it would be handled. He appreciates school police officers training students on using the Safe2Say Something phone app, online reporting process and phone number.

“Overall, it's a solid idea,” Jacob said. “I think it's good to have an option in case you do hear anything coming through, like a rumor.”

Jacob said he would use the program if he heard of a dangerous situation at school. The sophomore added that he has already downloaded the app to his phone. He believes the district's promotion of the program to students says a lot about South Butler School District's administration.

“It says they are willing to go the extra mile for safety and that they are overall safety positive,” Jacob said.

In January, Knoch High School student Jason Bowen was charged with multiple crimes, including terroristic threats, after a video appeared on social media showing him firing multiple rounds from an AK-style weapon with the caption “Training for prom walk.” The 18-year-old is now on house arrest at his parents' Penn Township home.

Pat Sarnese, director of school police and transportation at South Butler, was in charge of the Safe2Say Something training. He said students in grades six through 12 were given the program's phone number and trained on how to use the mobile app and fill out an online tip form. According to Sarnese, situations meriting an anonymous tip include violence, bullying, self-harming or quality of life concerns.

All Pennsylvania public school districts were required to have the Safe2Say Something program in place by mid-January.

“The students are the eyes and ears of what's going on inside the school,” Sarnese said. “They see, hear and know far more than we ever could as staff members.”

Sarnese said the anonymous component of the program and the various ways it can be used allow the district to be proactive — rather than reactive — when it comes to a potential threat.

Sarnese explained how a call, text, report on the app or an email through the Safe2Say Something website goes directly to a dispatcher in Harrisburg at the state attorney general's office. The dispatcher then asks the student or parent any questions they might have to clarify a threat. The dispatcher then decides whether the situation constitutes a danger to the school or community.

If a report is deemed credible, Sarnese said the dispatcher will contact the school district. He added that if an imminent threat is apparent, the dispatcher contacts the state police barracks in Butler.

According to Sarnese, so far 25 tips have been followed up on through the Safe2Say program since the first report on Jan. 24. Many tips involved bullying, and some were from students who were concerned about a classmate who is self-harming.

“(Students) are touching base with us on a wide variety of issues,” Sarnese said. “It seems to be a good program and things are going along pretty well.”

Parents of younger students also appreciate the Safe2Say Something program. Marie Pelloni has three children, all 11-years-old and younger, attending the district.

“There is relief that it's there and confidence that it's a good way for the school district to be notified of risks, (and also) to sort out what is a legitimate concern and what isn't,” Pelloni said.

Pelloni applauded the district for its dedication to and vigorous promotion of the Safe2Say Something program. The Clinton Township mother said even students in the earliest stages of public school can take ownership of their community by using the program.

“I think they are really honoring the voice of the students and they respect their judgment,” Pelloni said. “The kids know their concerns will be taken seriously by adults. They are not just a child, they can keep their community safe.”

Samantha Archer, another sophomore at Knoch High School, said the program makes students feel more comfortable.

“It's a good program that would be very helpful for students (who know of a threat),” Samantha said. “It's an easy way for students to get in contact with someone anonymously.”

She also appreciated the training session presented by Sarnese and school police officers.

“I didn't realize they had an app that you could use,” she said. “Also, it was very informative to be told just how easy it is to use.”

According to Samantha, the scuttlebutt among students in the hallways matches the thoughts of administrators, teachers, parents and the community as well.

“Everyone is hoping they won't have to use it,” she said.

Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program operated by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. The program teaches students and adults how to recognize the warning signs and signals, especially within social media, of individuals who might be a threat to themselves or others and to say something before it is too late, according to the safe2saypa.org website.State Attorney General Josh Shapiro partnered with Sandy Hook Promise, a group formed after the fatal shooting of 20 students in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., to bring the program to all 500 school districts in Pennsylvania.“Pennsylvania students deserve a safe place to learn, free from the threat of violence from classmates or other individuals,” Shapiro said.