bright, empty classroom with kids school supplies scattered on desktops

4 Ways to Protect Your Children From Violent Attacks in School

Children are the most precious and vital assets, and their safety is a top priority for any parent.

Unfortunately, schools have become vulnerable to school shootings, attacks, and intruders in recent years, making it challenging to feel secure while sending your child to school.

Since 1999, more than 338,000 students have experienced gun violence at school. 

In light of these concerning statistics, parents naturally feel concerned about the safety and security of their children.

Here are four suggestions that you can make or suggest to enhance school security measures. 

empty school hallway filled with red lockers

1. Changes in the School Building

Each day 12 children die from gun violence in America. As a parent, you want educational institutions to make students’ safety their top priority. Bring the installation of protective barriers up with the school.

Bulletproof doors and windows in school buildings can significantly delay or even entirely prevent unauthorized entry, gunfire, and related injuries. Fortunately, several companies specialize in installing bullet proof windows in Dallas for schools.

Additionally, schools should also install windows in front of the reception, allowing receptionists to see anyone entering the school from the parking lot and quickly alert school officials if someone appears suspicious on the school premises.

You can also suggest schools add fences to prevent intruders from entering and stop students from wandering off. 

2. Incorporation of Technology

Technology is an effective tool to alert us of any intrusions and security threats. To protect your children from potential harm at school, suggest the institution set up surveillance cameras inside and outside the school buildings to monitor staff, students, and visitors. This way, the administration can keep an eye on any suspicious activities that may arise. 

Schools should also protect students by installing an effective security system with panic buttons, intrusion detection, and security hardware. Metal detectors at the entrance are also a great way to prevent the entry of firearms into school premises. 

3. Train Everyone 

Everyone in the school system should be adequately taught about how to prevent a dangerous situation. In four out of every five school shootings, at least one besides the attacker was aware of their plan but chose not to report it due to the fear of being called a snitch or not being taken seriously.

Schools must teach their staff to recognize warning signs of concerning behavior in students and how to report those concerns to parents or authorities. If the staff knows the warning signs of violence beforehand, they can prevent such incidents from happening. 

Teachers should be adequately trained on how to defuse violent situations. One of the best ways to educate students and teachers on safety is to practice drills that should also mention how emergencies are announced, how to remain safe, and what to do if they’re left in an unsafe area like a gym, hallway, or bathroom.

When safety drills are conducted beforehand, there will be less chaos and panic in the case of an actual emergency because they would have already practiced it.

4. Offer Support to the Students

One important step to prevent potential school shootings is to identify and offer support to students who show concerning behavior, as 93% of school shooters plan their attacks in advance and exhibit warning signs beforehand.

Most students who have made schools attacks were 

  • Bullied by others 
  • Behaved in a concerning way
  • Had a record of disciplinary trouble 

Giving support and guidance to these students can prevent a problem before it escalates.  Additionally, schools should provide support services to victims to make them feel comfortable coming forward.

If a victim comes to a teacher or counselor for support but receives little response, there is a chance they might not seek out help again. Schools should create a supportive environment and train the staff to respond appropriately and take necessary actions to prevent violence. 

Endnote

Proper training and support for the students can make them feel safe and prevent an unfortunate event from happening.

Teachers and students should be trained on how to deal with these events so they can always be prepared to respond appropriately to emergency situations. Small changes in the school, like bulletproof windows and surveillance, can help the students feel secure.

Make the above suggestions at your child’s school so they can prevent unfortunate events from occurring.