With schools back in session, the Nevada Department of Education is getting the word out about a new program to protect students and possibly save lives. 

The new system is called Safe Voice, a free app that parents, students and facility can all download. It allows students to report with themselves and other students, all while remaining anonymous. "I think that kids communicate these days with their phone so giving them a platform that they are comfortable with and also that is confidential," says Amber Reid, Education Program Professional. Students and parents can report bullying, violence, threats to the school or another student, substance abuse and many more. 

This is how it works, you download the Safe Voice app, choose your school, and then the type of report. The tip then gets sent to a team at the school, they then evaluate the situation and take proper actions. "There will be a follow up with the team at the school that reaches out to the student and the parents and say we have a reason to be concerned and want to make sure you are taken care of," says Reid.

Since starting back in January of 2018 they have received almost 3,000 reports, bullying being the most reported. "Other things like suicide, depression, anxiety, substance abuse those are always in our top 12," says Reid, also since January they have been able to save almost 70 students life after reporting suicidal thoughts.

One arrest and threat has already been stopped earlier this year in Las Vegas after multiple reports were submitting to Safe Voice saying a student was planning on an attack at the school. "In Las Vegas a couple days ago on the first day of school an arrest was made when a child came to school on campus with a weapon and those tips came through safe voice." 

To download the Safe Voice app visit the Google Play store or the App Store. For more more information on Safe Voice visit: http://safevoicenv.org/