Plastered in nearly every classroom and several hallways and restrooms on campus, WeTip posters are by now a familiar sight. The posters target bullying, sexual harassment and drug use through creative designs like a student covered in yellow post-it notes — with negative statements scribbled on each note. They are accompanied by drawings depicting harassment and messages such as “mean words stick” and “one call can change a life.” They provide the phone number 1-800-78-CRIME and the website wetip.com.
Los Gatos High Class of ‘23 alumna Mia Bradbury designed the posters back in 2023 to promote the service. Although WeTip — an anonymous tipping system — was first introduced to the Saratoga-Los Gatos High School Union School District in 2020, it wasn’t widely advertised and tip numbers were low, said the district’s Title IX coordinator, Megan Farrell. To increase awareness, the site administrators at SHS and LGHS have worked with teachers to display these posters across the schools.
WeTip provides toll free hotlines and internet lines 24 hours a day, year-round. Within 24 hours of a report being filed, WeTip contacts the school’s Student Services Department with the specifics of the incident. The Student Services Department then works with site administrators, counselors and other necessary school staff to either increase awareness and adult supervision, provide counseling support or intervene with disciplinary action as appropriate. If the report is criminal in nature, WeTip will report the situation to local law enforcement.
Farrell said 26 tips came in through the poster last year. “Since WeTip was put into place, the reporters have provided useful information about bullying, harassment and property crimes,” she said.
Prior to the installation of Bardbury’s posters on campus, Farrell notes that the number of tips submitted were significantly lower in number.
WeTip is an anonymous tool; however, the information shared in a report may require additional investigation, and the district can follow up and question involved students.
“WeTip can be used to identify students who are in need of help,” Farrell said. “We would also encourage students to reach out directly to the Wellness Center for additional information on how to support a friend in need of assistance.”
