Pennsylvania Senate Bill SR346

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/30/24
• Refer: 9/30/24

Caption

Designating the week of September 16 through 20, 2024, as "Safe2Say Something Week" in Pennsylvania.

Impact

The Safe2Say Program has demonstrated significant success since its inception, receiving over 146,513 reports since 2019, with a notable spike in the current school year. It has raised awareness around various critical issues, including bullying, cyberbullying, and suicidal ideation among students. By designating a week to highlight this program, the resolution aims to enhance community engagement and underscore the ongoing training initiatives between the Office of Attorney General and Sandy Hook Promise for students and educators on recognizing and reporting threats.

Summary

Senate Resolution SR346 aims to designate the week of September 16 through 20, 2024, as 'Safe2Say Something Week' in Pennsylvania. This resolution highlights the importance of the Safe2Say Program, which was established under Act 44 of 2018 to provide an anonymous reporting system for behavior perceived as threatening by students, school employees, and community members. The notification week serves as a platform to promote awareness of the program and its objectives, which go beyond preventing threats to schools, considering a broader range of mental health concerns.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR346 is predominantly positive, reflecting a community-focused initiative aimed at improving student safety and mental health awareness. Legislators and advocacy groups have expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing its potential to foster a safer school environment and encourage a proactive approach to mental health issues. The collaborative relationship between governmental entities and organizations like Sandy Hook Promise enhances the program's credibility and efficacy.

Contention

While SR346 appears to be largely endorsed, underlying concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of resources and follow-up support for issues reported through the Safe2Say Program. Critics might point to potential gaps in mental health services that are necessary to address the concerns brought to light by the reporting system. Additionally, ensuring that reporting mechanisms are utilized effectively remains a challenge, as reliance solely on anonymous reporting may not cover all situational contexts, necessitating a continuous improvement of the program.