SAFETY AND SECURITY IN SCHOOLS
by Shelly Lock, Program Development Coordinator
January 11, 2010
When surveyed about what they most want from their child’s school, parents commonly respond with “safety.” Parents want to know that their child is safe at school. This expectation encompasses so much. School staff must be concerned about safety in so many ways, including physical and emotional safety.
Schools must provide a safe physical environment. This includes constant monitoring of school buildings, playgrounds, and equipment. For example, the school is responsible for knowing and following the regulations on playground equipment and surface. Schools must make sure the water in the bathrooms is set at a safe temperature. Schools have taken great measures to make sure they are asbestos and lead paint free. Ongoing improvements to the school grounds helps keep it safe.
Close supervision of children during the school day and during school events is another safety requirement. School staff being visible and available is crucial. Close supervision can help ward off accidents on the playground, fights among children, inappropriate behavior, unsafe interactions with those who are not a part of the school community and more.
There are times that schools need to provide emotional support to children and sometimes to their families. When communities experience horrific crime or disaster, it often affects the behavior of children in the school. Children struggle to make sense of what goes on in the world around them. They experience grief, anger, fear and more. Schools can provide additional support to children through school counselors and by bringing in professional help when needed during these trying times.
Teaching children prevention skills can give them the tools to deal with challenges that could compromise their safety. Children can be taught problem solving and communication skills that can help them handle their emotions, help them get out of uncomfortable situations, help them deal with peer pressure, and can help them avoid potentially dangerous situations. This social support is a preventative tool.
Providing safe alternative activities for children can prevent them from getting involved in unhealthy behaviors such as gangs. School clubs, organizations, teams and activities can give students a sense of belonging, enhance their self esteem, and help them to feel successful. These groups can provide a healthy focus for children and fill void time.
Monitoring visitors to the school has become a necessity for school safety. Doors to the school may be locked, resource officers may be present, or intercom systems may be used to control entry into the school. Schools should communicate to parents and community supporters that this is for the safety of the children and that visitors are welcome. With that, proper signage should clearly state the procedures for school visitors. For example, schools might place a sign at each locked door indicating where visitors should enter. At the main entrance, a sign might read, “Visitors are welcome. For the safety of our children, please use the intercom button to request entry.” Once visitors are inside the building, signs should guide them to the office for check-in.
Proper staff professional development can help staff members be more effective in warding off and dealing with acts of violence and bullying. Training for students and parents is also beneficial and leads to the school staff, parents, and children working together to prevent bullying and violence from harming the school environment and those in it.
Schools and families can work together to promote safety for children. A safety fair would be a fun and interactive way to share safety tips with all. You could set up booths with folks who can share safety messages and offer activities to reinforce these messages. Consider inviting: law enforcement agencies, hospitals, health department, social services agencies, Big Brother Big Sisters, organizers of school extra curricular activities, and other community programs. This event could be set up in a school gym, at a local YMCA, or at a community park.
The PPP Notebooks offer activities that can be incorporated into a school safety night. PPP also offers family nights that focus on a strong partnership between home and school, thus fostering a safer environment.
Get off to a good start by doing all you can to promote the safety and security of children in 2010! Children rely on the adults around them to provide an environment that promotes learning and healthy social and emotional development!
