With students back in the classroom this fall, the number of anonymous tips to Safe2Tell rose 101% in September compared to the same month last year, according to a monthly report by the Colorado Attorney General's Office.

Suicide threats continue to be the top category of reported tips.

The Safe2Tell program, which allows Colorado students and others to anonymously report safety concerns and threats, received 2,147 tips in September compared to 1,069 in September 2020, according to the attorney general's office.

The increase this year is likely due to the return to largely in-person learning following the more widespread use of remote education in fall 2020, officials said.

"Students and community members likely have a heightened awareness of potential threats to students' safety now that many are back in school in person," Attorney General Phil Weiser said in the news release.

The top categories of reported tips for September were suicide threats, welfare checks and school complaints. In May of this year, the Children's Hospital Colorado declared a "state of emergency" for youth mental health, given that suicide is the leading cause of death for youth in Colorado.

"This month's increase in reporting shows Safe2Tell continues to be a trusted resource to anonymously report concerns and help protect Colorado's students," Weiser said in the news release.

As of Oct. 12, Safe2Tell has received 3,119 tips so far during the 2021-22 academic year, marking a 75% increase compared to the previous year, according to the news release.

The Safe2Tell program is a violence intervention and prevention program run by the Colorado Attorney General's Office. Tips are answered 24/7 and, if Safe2Tell staff members determine action is needed, the information is forwarded to the appropriate local school officials, mental health professionals and/or law enforcement agencies, according to the Safe2Tell website.

Those who wish to report a tip to Safe2Tell can do so by using the Safe2Tell Colorado mobile app, calling 1-877-542-7233 or submitting a tip at Safe2Tell.org.