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Charleroi School Board Unanimously Approves New Safe Helpline

CHARLEROI (KDKA) -- The Charleroi School District is adding a safe school helpline, so students, parents, neighbors or anyone with concerns can report harmful or illegal acts and incidents.

The idea came about after the district looked at research from their students.

It showed depression and thoughts of suicide were the most common concerns for kids, even more so than drugs and alcohol.

District officials say they hope the anonymous safe helpline will aid students get the help they may need.

"It's sort of like the white elephant in the room. It's real. It's out there. Our kids are telling us it's out there. We want to make sure we're helping them," said Dr. Edward Zelich, Charleroi School District superintendent.

Trained counselors are on standby 24/7 to assess problems and immediately pass along information to the school in cases of emergencies.

"It shocked me. It hurt me. I think at that age in your life it should be the greatest time of your life. So we want to make sure we're meeting their needs; and if they need some help, we want them to ask for it, so we can get them the appropriate people that can help," said Dr. Zelich.

Students and anyone concerned about anything harmful or illegal can use the safe helpline. Everything is anonymous and kept confidential so no student fears retaliation.

"I think, at this age level, they are afraid to come forward. They don't want to lose any friends. All their friends are very valuable to them. They know that there is right and wrong, but it is very hard to report someone that is doing something wrong, but this gives them a platform," said Barbara Pepper, a school board member and retired teacher.

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Tips can even be sent in by text. Those who report can check back in three days to find out if the concern was investigated by the district.

The Charleroi School Safe Helpline was modeled after the one already in place at the Hempfield School District. The school board unanimously approved it Tuesday night and the superintendent hopes to have it in place by Dec. 1.

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