One of the most critical responsibilities that parents, educators and law enforcement officers share is creating a learning environment that prioritizes school safety. Every parent deserves to know that when they send their child to school, they will come home safe at the end of the day. It is our responsibility as a community to create environments where children are protected from harm and can thrive. From physical security measures to educating children on personal safety, these actions can help to safeguard their mental and physical well-being. s

Tour the School with Your Child 

Equipping children with knowledge about their surroundings can significantly reduce their vulnerability to dangerous situations. When you tour a school with your child, discuss safe spaces and safety procedures. Review what visitors’ badges look like and remind your child of the differences between visitors and staff members. Have stranger-danger discussions and remind your child to stay with their class group. By investing in this time with your child, you are showing him or her that school safety is a priority.

Partner with Staff 

The staff at your child’s school are key partners in maintaining and ensuring school safety. Teach your child to recognize staff members from their uniforms and/or identification badges. 

If your child’s school has a school resource officer (SRO), explain his or her role and encourage communication if they feel unsafe or have questions. Let your child know that the SRO is there to help keep the school safe. However, also remind them that they can always come to you, teachers, or school staff for help.

Teaching Personal Safety and Communication 

Teaching children how to recognize and report an unsafe situation is a valuable life skill. Encourage open communication so that when a child encounters a concerning situation, they feel comfortable reporting it immediately to a parent, a teacher or school staff member, an SRO or through the app Fortify FL.  This empowers children to take an active role in their own safety. Young children need to feel secure that an adult will listen to their concerns and respond appropriately. Your child may have questions they aren’t comfortable asking at school. Take time at home to help your child navigate his or her concerns and fears surrounding school safety.

Know the School Safety Rules and Stay Informed 

It’s vital that both parents and students know the school rules and expectations and stay informed throughout the year. It may be helpful to review the student handbook with your child and address any concerns and questions. Become familiar with the school’s safety plans for emergencies such as fire drills, lockdown drills and active shooter drills so that students are not surprised by loud bells or alarms, flashing lights, crowded hallways or tight spaces. Doing so will alleviate stress during these situations. In addition, parents can stay informed by signing up for school notifications by text, email and the app used by the school district. 

Resources for School Safety

Keeping young children safe at school is a community effort. Together, we can create an environment where students can focus on learning without fear. At the Florida Sheriffs Association, our commitment to protecting our youngest citizens is unwavering. We assist your local sheriff’s office by providing resources, training and support for school safety. To contact your local sheriff’s office, visit the directory here.