|
Each weekday, you make sure that your children get to school on time and do their homework. You talk with teachers about your children’s academic achievements and how they get along with other students. But have you ever tried to get involved with school safety? If children worry about their safety at school, they may have trouble concentrating on their work or building good relationships. Based on the results of a July 2008 survey of 1,400 parents with children in grades K–8, the National Crime Prevention Council created the following recommendations on school safety for parents:
Two-thirds of parents have never talked to their children’s teachers about safety issues, and fewer than one-quarter of parents say that their children’s school frequently communicates with them about school safety measures, disciplinary policies, and safety education. Don’t wait until a tragedy occurs to talk about school safety. Instead, talk to your school officials about programs and activities to prevent violence. Parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school nights, and PTA meetings provide opportunities to discuss school safety.
Bullying and fighting are among parents’ top school safety concerns. Thirty percent of parents of middle-school students are extremely or very worried that their child will be bullied, and more than 25 percent of black and Hispanic parents worry that their child will be a victim of a hate crime at school. Many parents—14 percent overall and 22 percent in urban areas—also are extremely or very worried that their child will be involved in fights with other students. Ask school administrators how the school teaches children about conflict resolution and bullying prevention. Inquire about training staff receive related to these issues, resources available to students (such as guidance counselors or peer mediation programs), and awareness-raising efforts to prevent bullying and fighting. Unfortunately, about a third of parents say they aren’t more involved in school activities, including safety initiatives, because they don’t believe they have much to offer, the school is not interested in what they could contribute, or other parents are already doing enough. Remember that any involvement improves the school. Think about skills you have or things that you like to do. Could you prepare a mailing, do an Internet search, or serve as a lunchroom or playground monitor? Becoming involved in the school will reinforce the importance of school to your child and help you and your child connect to the school. Speak to the school principal about opportunities to involve parents in school safety efforts. Parents could join school administrators on a safety walk-through or serve on a school safety committee. Consider speaking to the principal about starting a Be Safe and Sound in School program (www.ncpc.org/programs/be-safe-and-sound-campaign/about).
Joselle Shea is director, Children and Youth Initiatives, National Crime Prevention Council, Arlington, Virginia.
|
