Keeping students safe at school is the main concern for parents, teachers & administrators. With increasing reports of school shootings and other threats. Schools need effective and thoughtful solutions to cover every aspect of safety.  

Physical security measures are important. But creating a peaceful and emotionally secure environment is just as necessary. A balance between these two aspects is needed. Implementing strong security measures without turning schools into scary high-alert zones.

In this blog post, we’ll explore evidence-backed strategies for keeping students safe. Highlighting policies that have proven effective. And how the Wihkum Emergency App can help in maintaining school safety.

Growing Need for Better School Safety

According to recent statistics, the number of school shootings has risen sharply over the past few years. Beyond the immediate physical harm. These incidents cause long-lasting effects on students’ mental health & undermine their engagement in school.

If we have a look at the statistics:

StatisticSource
1 in 5 students report being bulliedNational Center for Education Statistics
60% schools faced shooters in the last yearCentre for Homeland Defence and Security
40% of students feel unsafe at schoolNational Institute of Justice
Schools with safety measures see a 50% reduction in incidentsSafe and Sound Schools

These figures demonstrate a pressing need for schools to implement effective safety policies. Let’s explore some effective strategies that can help keep kids safe.

A Two-Pronged Approach to School Safety

To effectively address safety in schools, a two-pronged approach is recommended. Increasing physical security and building supportive school communities.

1. Increasing Physical Security

Keeping students safe at school starts with strong physical security measures. Think of it as creating a protective shield around the campus. It includes controlling building access, security cameras, and school resource officers (SROs).

While these strategies are widely implemented due to their reputation and low cost. Their effectiveness has shown mixed patterns statistically. For instance, research suggests that SROs can reduce fights but aren’t able to protect against school shootings.

Let’s have a detailed look at all of such strategies for keeping kids safe.

Strategies Used for Physical Security

Strategies to enhance physical security include:

  1. Controlling Building Access

Most schools badge staff and visitors, creating a first line of defence against unauthorized entry. However, simply controlling access does not guarantee safety.

  1. Using Security Cameras and Metal Detectors

Metal detectors and security cameras are used less due to their limited impact on preventing violence. They can deter some threats but don’t address the root causes of school violence.

  1. Employing School Resource Officers (SROs)

Though these officers help reduce fights. They have limited impact on preventing shootings and can contribute to negative disciplinary actions. Such as police involvement and student arrests.

  1. Arming School Staff

Evidence suggests that arming staff can lead to unintended consequences. Making this a controversial strategy. Moreover, presence of weapons is associated with an increased number of casualties during intentional school shootings.

Moreover, 100 incidents of accidental firing from guns are reported in last 5 years.

Impact of Physical Security Strategies on School Safety

Physical security measures are essential for creating a barrier against external threats. But they are not a complete solution.

Security MeasureProsConsImpact on Safety
Controlled Building AccessReduces unauthorized entryCreate a rigid environmentHigh
Security CamerasProvides surveillance for incidentsCan be expensive to installModerate
School Resource OfficersReduces physical fightsIncreases student arrests & exclusionsLimited
Arming StaffQuick response to threatsHigh risk of accidental discharge and misuseLow

Schools should be cautious about measures like arming staff or expanding the use of metal detectors. As these can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Such as accidents or increased fear among students.

2. Building Supportive School Communities

Fostering supportive school communities has also been identified as a highly effective strategy. Research suggests that strong emotional support can significantly reduce school violence.

Building a supportive environment includes emotional support and mental health assessment. Let’s talk about some effective strategies in this regard.

Its components include:

Mental Health Support

Students have access to counsellors and mental health resources. So, they can get behavioural therapy, and minor issues or stress factors can be eliminated. Unfortunately, many schools struggle to provide adequate mental health resources.

CategoryKey Stats
Student-Counsellor Ratio1 counsellor for every 408 students
Student-School Psychologist Ratio1 school psychologist for every 1,127 students
Schools Offering Mental Health ServicesOnly 42% of schools provide mental health treatment services.

This lack of support limits the ability of schools to provide necessary services. Impacting every child’s safety and well-being.

Social & Emotional Learning Programs

They help in the development of social and emotional competencies in students via:

  • Reducing behavioural problems
  • Managing emotional distress
  • Improving social skills
  • Building healthy relationships
  • Increasing academic engagement and achievement

According to the surveys, these social and emotional skills lead to perception of safety among students.

Restorative Practices

Restorative practices offer a peaceful alternative to exclusionary discipline practices. They suggest strategies for resolving conflict instead of punishment or exclusion.

According to the reports, 60% of schools implemented restorative practices in 2019–20. And results like improved school safety & decreased rates of student misbehaviour are shown. Leading to a healthier and more peaceful school climate.

However, they require more intensive investments for their implementation and promotion.

Effective Strategies to Build a Supportive Environment

Here are some effective strategies for schools to implement:

1. Increase Access to Mental Health Services

    Research has found that counsellors can reduce disciplinary mishaps. By improving the students’ behaviour and rectifying their perception of the school climate.

    The psycho counselling has a positive impact on the academic performance of students. And also help them leading toward a healthier future.

    2. Adopt Social and Emotional Learning

      Incorporate programs that teach students skills for managing emotions and resolving conflicts. These types of programs develop healthy relationships and diminish antisocial behaviours.

      So, all students can feel included and grow emotionally & socially.

      3. Implement Restorative Practices

        Implementing restorative practices can create a more positive school environment. These practices focus on relationship-building and conflict resolution.

        Schools that adopt restorative practices report lower suspension rates and improved student engagement.

        4. Create Safe Spaces

          Establish areas where students can go to feel safe and supported. Whether due to bullying or personal issues.

          Key responsibilities of these spaces include the anonymous reporting of issues and support.

          5. Arrange Peer Support Programs

            Encouraging students to become “peacemakers”. So, a culture of empathy and respect can be promoted.

            They should build healthier relationships with other students. Help in academic challenges and intervene safely when witnessing bullying.

            6. Combat Social Isolation

              Social isolation can be just as harmful as physical violence, increasing the risk of depression, self-harm, and even mass violence.

              Organise clubs and activities that encourage participation from isolated students. They can help build a sense of belonging in them.

              7. Conduct Reviews of Safety Measures

              Security measures are at the highest risk of misuse. There should be a transparent system to identify any bias in disciplinary implementation. Reviews should be taken from students, parents, and other school staff.

              Students from all races, genders, and social classes should be encouraged to report.

              Impact of Supportive Communities on School Safety

              Building supportive school communities is a long-term strategy for reducing violence and maintaining child safety. Studies show that they can help manage incidents of violence, bullying, and other disciplinary issues.

              Effective StrategiesExpected Outcomes
              Increase Mental Health ServicesImproved Student Well-Being
              Peer Support ProgramsThe air of trust & mutual understanding
              Social and Emotional LearningBetter Conflict Resolution Skills
              Restorative PracticesReduced Violence and Suspensions
              Safe SpacesIncreased Student Engagement

              However, implementing these programs can be challenging. As they require investment in training and resources. And also, the time to build the necessary infrastructure.

              Why School Safety Policies Matter?

              Every student deserves a safe and healthy school environment to grow & learn. Schools and related authorities should implement research-backed policies and solutions. That can create a secure and healthy school atmosphere.

              Schools must understand that safety goes beyond physical measures. Mental health support, strong relationships, and community engagement are also needed. The safety policies must reflect a commitment to holistic safety practices.

              Advanced technology is equally important in keeping students safe. Let’s learn about the role of our emergency response app in creating air of security in schools.

              How Wihkum Can Help in Keeping Students Safe?

              While implementing protective policies is essential. Technology can also play a pivotal role in keeping students safe at school.

              Now, how does the Wihkum Emergency App fit into these practices? Let’s compare safety strategies ‘with and without’ Wihkum.

              Safety MeasureTraditional ApproachWihkum Safe Approach
              Emergency AlertsManual announcements & alarmsReal-time app notifications & guidance
              CommunicationPhone calls and physical meetingsSecure, instant messaging
              Incident ReportingPaper forms & in-person reportingDigital and anonymous reporting
              Policy UpdatesPrinted manuals and noticesIn-app updates and notifications
              Safety TrainingScheduled sessions onlyOn-demand digital training

              The Wihkum App is designed to supplement existing safety policies. Making the process of maintaining safety more effective and accessible.

              Partner with Wihkum for Advanced School Safety Measures

              With Wihkum App, schools have the opportunity to enhance their safety strategies. Simplify emergency responses and create are secure environment for students, and teachers.

              If you’re looking for a way to maintain student safety and improve your school’s safety practices. Incorporate the Wihkum Emergency Alert App into your safety plan.

              Download Wihkum App Now

              Let’s work together to build a safer school community for everyone.

              For more information, visit Wihkum’s website today and see how we can support your mission of keeping students safe.