Safe Schools Save Lives

Schools are institutions where students get enriched in knowledge and are able to grow and develop into young adults. It is important to create a safe and friendly environment in school so that students feel secure and parents feel relieved when they let their kids go to school. When is a school is attacked with physical violence, gun violence, and conflict it creates a wall of uncertainty between parents, children and the school administration.  Four years ago, on December 14th, 2012,  20 school students between the ages of 6-7 and 6 school staff  from Sandy Hook Elementary School were fatally shot and killed by 20-year-old David Lanza. This deadly shooting shook the nation of the United States and impacted the families in the neighbourhood. This shooting was truly a wake up call for students and families alike, on the safety and security in schools.

It is only when people come together with specific goals and achievements that they are able to make strides to a progressive future. I think one way that schools and communities can avoid act of violence is by implementing a system that encourages safety and prioritizes security. Teachers should teach students about what to do in lockdowns, what a hold and secure is and how to respond when the situation occurs. Students should also get into the habit of being present, by looking around and being cautious of their surroundings. When elementary students go out for recess, there should be a teacher watching over them and to inform them if there is a gunmen in the area so that students will be able to evacuate the area. Secondary students should be encouraged to carry a cellphone so that they can inform their parents of their whereabouts if they are staying after school/coming home late.

Bullying is one of the large factors that lead to extreme events such as physical fights or even gun violence.  Bullying happens everyday, everywhere and in schools. It is a good thing that many services are available to students if they don't know what to do when they are the victim of bullying. Services that have helped out students dealing with bullies are Kid's Help Phone, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), support groups such as Stop Bullying, YMCA and speaking with a doctor about emotional/physical concerns. Mary Ward students can use this sources as well as talk to people they trust such as TA's, guidance counsellors, coaches, parents. It is much better to speak up than to stay quiet because YOUR voices can be the link to improving your situations and putting a brake on violence and bullying.