Holiday moviegoers will likely catch a message from Michigan’s student safety initiative, OK2SAY. Three different OK2SAY messages began airing on 372 screens in 48 different movie theaters throughout Michigan this month and are expected to be seen by more than 1.1 million students and their families. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says the reason is to reach “students outside the classroom” because the hope is for students to “step up and speak up when they see or hear something – whether it’s a bully or a friend contemplating self-harm.” The state Legislature established the program, which launched in 2014. OK2SAY encourages students to submit confidential tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, and schools 24/7 to trained technicians regarding potential harm or threats. To date, more than 22,000 tips have been received – more than 5,500 in 2019 alone. Top tip categories include suicide threats, bullying, drugs, self-harm, anxiety, stress, depression and harassment. OK2SAY tips can be submitted through a call, text or email and also through the OK2SAY website or mobile phone app.
