School Safety: Advice For Parents and Teachers

2008 May 14 by: Scott

On April 16, 2007, the shooting events at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, brought about intense debate about the responsibility of colleges and universities to provide safe environments and to increase their abilities to prevent and manage serious crisis events. In some states, mandatory school lock down drills practices several times a year are now the norm. So, what can parents do at home to teach or enforce what schools are teaching children regarding school safety? Numerous tips and parenting advice is provided that may stimulate discussions at home.

Teaching prevention skills

Students are being taught mediation skills (problem solving and communication) and ways to handle their emotions–especially anger–without hurting others. These skills will help them avoid potentially dangerous situations. Students are also being taught “safe” behaviors such as doing activities in groups, alerting school personnel if a stranger is on school grounds, and reporting situations that threaten other students’ safety.

Providing alternatives to gangs

School districts and communities are working together to offer students alternatives to gang membership, including activities that build self-esteem and help students deal with feelings of powerlessness. Strategies include providing special assistance to students who are at risk of gang membership, creating an atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging in all students, informing parents and school staff about gangs and teaching students how to avoid being drawn into them, and giving students regular opportunities to discuss school experiences and to plan for future successes and rewards.

Improving school designs

As school buildings are constructed and old ones are renovated, safety has become an essential element of their design. In new schools, office areas are now centrally located for easy accessibility from other locations in the building or campus. Hallways have convenient exits and are well lit. Dead end hallways and staircase hideaways have been eliminated, and restrooms are located closer to administrators to prevent students from hanging out.