How to Keep Kids Safe at School
How to keep kids safe at school is one of the most important questions we need to ask. As we wait in the long line of cars to drop our kids off at school in the morning or as we watch the school bus doors close behind them as they climb on, our hearts and minds can’t help but wonder if our kids are safe at school. The question alone can trigger anxiety and insecurity.
While some have gone so far as to home school and remove their children from formal school with the intention of protecting them from the unknown. That scenario doesn’t work for everyone and we know how important social, emotional and educational development is. So how to keep kids safe at school is the answer we need to know.
There is inherent risk in doing, well, almost anything. From walking down the street to climbing the stairmaster at the gym to chewing gum. The reality is that some circumstances and locations have a higher risk of confronting some form of crisis. Unfortunately it has become more common for disgruntled and potentially mentally ill people to cause destruction in schools.
Communication is Key
How to keep kids safe at school starts with communication. There are so many different forms of communication that contribute to keeping kids safe. The first one and the one you have the most control over is simply having conversations with kids. Being open about what is going on with your kids and in their school can be an important piece of preparation and prevention strategy.
There is a catch phrase that says, “if you see something say something”. When communicating with your kids make sure they understand the safety protocols as well as when to say something if things don’t seem right.
Signage
Another form of communication is as simple as signage around the school that helps to remind and prompt students and staff when and how to initiate a safety plan.
Alert systems
Having alert systems in place are essential for students and staff to have a quick response. The easier it is to communicate that a crisis is taking place, the sooner the safety plan can begin. Every second counts when it comes to a potential crisis occurring.
More Ways to Keep Kids Safe at School
Education/Training
Education and training is of utmost importance when trying to keep kids safe at school. Giving staff the tools necessary to help foster the safest environment possible is key. Having a specific plan that is universally understood with proper preparation can save lives.
Stay involved in the school
Get to know teachers and be a part of the crisis planning.
Join the PTA, or violence prevention coalition, organize a community violence prevention forum.
Not every school has prevention plans in place, get involved and help develop a school violence and prevention response team.
There are so many ways to improve safety at school don’t delay in protecting the children.
“School communities that have violence prevention plans and crisis management teams in place are more prepared to identify and avert potential problems and to know what to do when a crisis happens.”
