In this study, researchers assessed the effects of a statewide anonymous tip line for school-age youth.
In this study, the authors assessed the extent to which SafeVoice, an anonymous tip line launched by the State of Nevada, to prevent harmful events in schools and to promote student safety, health, and well-being, contributed to reductions in school discipline incidents, youth suicides, and increases in the positive school climate. Using interrupted time-series analyses, the authors found statistically significant reductions in the rates of violence against staff (an estimated 32% reduction across the two school years) and possession of weapons (also 32%). Comparing annual data over time, the authors also found significant improvements in school climate during the study period from 2018 to 2019. The authors found no effects of SafeVoice on incident rates of bullying, cyberbullying, violence against students, or suicides among youth. The authors estimated that savings associated with the prevented incidents of violence against staff and weapons possession totaled $34 million. Every dollar spent on the State’s operation of SafeVoice saved $13.80 in identifiable prevented events, including $3.45 in direct out-of-pocket costs. (Published Abstract Provided)