Recent threat raises concerns that Safe2Say could open Pa. schools up to pranks

VANDERGRIFT, Pa. — The potential for bogus threats has raised concerns over Pennsylvania’s anonymous reporting app, Safe2Say Something.

While thousands of student tips have been received by Safe2Say Something, not all of them have been credible -- including one on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s reported threat prompted a lockdown at Kiski Area High School, school officials said.

The anonymous tip was reported under Safe2Say Something’s “active shooter” category, Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE reported. A thorough sweep of the high school building determined it was not credible.

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School officials told TribLIVE they’ve heard students say the Safe2Say Something app is being used as a joke among one another. They worry the app’s anonymous nature could lead to more phony claims or pranks, so they want more accountability.

Although the app is anonymous by law, a school can get a court order to trace false reports. If it’s determined the false tip was reported knowingly or intentionally, it can be a third-degree misdemeanor.

Student charged after making threat to local school; parents angry district never notified them Student charged after making threat to local school; parents angry district never notified them

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