School Safety

Remember when slipping grades and mean teachers were the only concerns in sending your children to school? Times have changed, unfortunately. Now violence in schools is a major problem in almost every community. Not only is fighting between students a concern, but violence against teachers, fist fights, and even gun shootings are all prevalent crimes being reported at school. School safety is an issue every parent and student should be familiar with.

School safety should also be a concern of the school staff and administration. Some schools have implemented security devices as well as school policies to further ensure school safety. Some enlist the aid of a police officer, while others install video cameras and metal detectors. Sometimes student’s lockers are randomly checked and others with questionable attitudes or conduct are expelled. 

A parent concerned with school safety might consider whether the school housing his or her child is properly equipped to adequately handle school safety. A parent might ask a teacher or a principal if the school has procedures set up for handling dangerous situations. Is there proper supervision on the playground, in the cafeteria, during after school programs, and in the classrooms? 

Also a question to consider in promoting school safety is whether the school addresses ways to prevent violence from happening in the first place. Many policies of school safety are only enforced to ensure that violence doesn’t break out. But where does the violence stem from? Many schoolteachers and parents believe it starts very subtly, with a troubled young mind. By working together, teachers and parents can do their best to prevent violent attitudes from developing before they are exhibited publicly.

While parents should provide a comforting home for their child, and be attentive to their complaints and feelings, schools can also play a part in reshaping a troubled student’s hostile mind. Some psychologists and counselors are available to work in school and help students develop conflict resolution and coping abilities. Nothing better ensures school safety than a school of students who have good self-esteem and respect for others.

What can parents do to get involved in school safety? Joining the PTA, supporting violence prevention programs, and volunteering time are active approaches and can show the community that you not only care, you are willing to do something about it.

Teachers and school administrators on the other hand, help out by quickly responding to any possible warning signs. Did you know that in virtually every case of school violence reported, the violent students had made verbal threats prior to acting on them? Even if the young mind is just expressing anger or creativity with his comments or school reports, a violent thought should never be dismissed. It doesn’t mean the student is in “trouble”; it simply means the teacher is concerned and wants to help the young person cope with his anger.

School safety is an issue that all parents and school officials need to keep in mind.