Parents push to get more security in schools
It’s a sad reality, but these days, sending your child to school is an act of bravery. You’re putting your trust in the school and the other students, that your child will be safe to learn and play. A recent study from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) stated that 100,000 children attended a school where a school shooting occurred between 2018 and 2019.
That number is hard for me, the writer, to grasp. If this is the new normal, we need to be doing a lot more to keep our kids safe. And, to help our kids deal with the fear and anxiety that comes from this harsh new reality. So, what can parents do to keep their kids safe? We’re already seeing parents all over the country advocating for school safety, and the protection of children, whatever that means. Still, the answer will be different for each family. Because we have a business in keeping kids safe, we’d like to share some ideas.
In light of the increasing occurrence of school violence, it is crucial for parents to take proactive measures to ensure their children's safety when they go to school. We applaud the parents already making some noise about the following.
Advocate for More Security:
Parents play a crucial role in advocating for increased security measures in their child's school. By actively engaging with school administrators, parents can push for the implementation of key security technologies such as advanced PA systems, security cameras, and emergency alert notifications sent directly to parents’ and students’ phones. These tools help in monitoring and responding to potential threats. Additionally, advocating for secure entrances and metal detectors, and assigning more security officers can further enhance the safety within the school premises. Security officers are there to deter and mitigate crime, but they are also there in case something happens. Police response times can sometimes be slower than we’d like. Hiring private security on-site is extremely important. By highlighting the importance of these measures, parents can create a safer environment for their children and instill confidence and peace of mind for both students and staff alike.
Be Nosy, Be Aware:
We’ve always been told to be alert and aware of our surroundings when walking to our car late at night. When it comes to your child’s safety, being alert and aware is also key. Parents should get to know their child's friends and their families to assess the influence of their social circle. As a responsible parent, it is essential to stay connected and aware of what is happening in your child's life, both online and offline. By actively knowing what's going on in their phone, school, and circle of friends, we can be the first line of defense in identifying potential red flags. By doing so, we may come across significant issues, such as a friend struggling with depression or displaying behaviors that may indicate a potential for violence. We might also uncover instances of bullying or trauma that, if left unaddressed, could escalate into destructive outcomes. Being well-informed about our child's friendship circle empowers us to be proactive and intervene, supporting both our child and their friends during challenging times. We have the opportunity to see something and say something, creating a safe environment for everyone involved and preventing devastating consequences.
Talk About Emergencies:
We’ve all heard the Active Shooter Protocol of: Run. Hide. Fight. Or, have we? Of course, we don’t want to scare our children, but just like we talk about “stranger danger” with kids, we have to come to terms with the fact that these days, having an Active Shooter plan is par for the course. Encouraging open dialogue about school safety and the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior or threats is also essential. Educating children about personal safety, such as taking note of emergency exits, reporting strangers, and following lockdown protocols, empowers them to act responsibly in case of an emergency.
Parents' Involvement/Strengthening Accountability for Safety:
Parents play a vital role in their child's education, and their active involvement in their kid's school sends a lasting message to the school administration that they are attentive and engaged. By demonstrating a genuine interest in their child's school experience, parents convey their concerns and dedication toward making the school environment safer. This level of parental engagement fosters an atmosphere of accountability, creating a shared responsibility with the school administration to prioritize safety measures. It is through this collaborative effort that we can explore every possible avenue to ensure the safety of our children while they learn. From volunteer initiatives to constructive communication, parents' deep involvement encourages schools to remain proactive and responsive in their pursuit of creating secure and nurturing educational spaces.
Advocate Increased State Funding:
Parents have a crucial role in fighting for more money to keep schools safe. By using different methods like writing letters to politicians, organizing marches, and creating petitions, parents can pressure politicians and school boards to take action. It is through these collective efforts that important laws can be passed. Parents need to actively engage with their local governments and demand that funds be used to make schools safer. Only through this persistent fight can we create a secure and caring learning environment for our children.
In conclusion, the issue of school safety cannot be solely addressed by implementing stringent school security measures. As a growing concern and harsh new reality, it is crucial to recognize that traditional security measures are no longer sufficient in combating school violence. Instead, we must foster a collaborative approach that involves the entire community, parents, teachers, and students alike. We need to implement innovative strategies and new ideas to create safer learning environments. It is only through collective effort and a shared commitment to our children's well-being that we can effectively tackle this pressing issue and provide them with the safe and nurturing spaces they deserve to learn and thrive in.
For information about the Arc One Protective Services Guardian Program, or our Safe School Professionals, reach out to us: Info@ArcOneProtection.com or visit ArcOneProtection.com/Guardian-Program