Schools can be a scary place.
Many things can happen at schools most of which parents have little control over.
Such as bullying, negative experiences with teachers or even school shooting. Even though parents cannot be with their kids every day there are things that a parent can do to make sure their kids are in a safe environment.
4 Ways To Keep Your Kids Safe At School;
- Know school’s policies and procedures
It is important to know how your child’s school handles emergency situations and what the expectations are for the students. On your school website or at the beginning of the year, you should get a copy of the rules and procedures handbook. This handbook should go over procedures such as a fire drill, tornado drill, and intruder drill. It should also go over dress code, visitor policy and code of conduct. The code of conduct should address the bullying procedures and expectations with consequences for other offenses.
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Every year you should get a new hand book and review it. Make sure the handbook answers all of your questions. If you still have questions reach out to the administrators so they make you feel comfortable with your child in their school.
- Meet with teachers
Never, EVER miss a parent-teacher conference. These conferences are important because they will go over your child’s progress and any type of activities or changes that will be happening in the classroom. Also, if you feel like you are needing a meeting with your child’s teacher before parent-teacher conferences, do not hesitate to request a meeting to discuss your concerns as a parent and to collaboratively work with the teacher to address them. Teachers want parents to be involved in the students’ education. So, talk and communicate with your child’s teacher about issues and concerns you may have.
- Talk with your child
When your child comes home from school have them tell you all about their day not just what they learned. Talking about every aspect of the day can help you better understand what your child’s day is like and what struggles they may have faced throughout the day. While talking to your child listen to what your child has to say, do not criticize what your child did or didn’t do. Make time to talk with your child and create a safe and welcoming environment in your own home, this way your child will be more likely to open up about their day and experiences.
- Use technology for assistance
Most instances of bullying and violent threatening happen on the internet. Monitor your child’s social media, this may be key to understanding what is going on in your child’s life. If your child is having any problems with his/her peers, it is best for you to know what is happening, while it is happening. Then take action to keep your child safe. If you see a student from your child’s school threaten their life or the lives of others, it is your responsibility as a parent to let the administration know. Often times administration does not know what is being said on the internet; communicate and don’t be afraid to do so. The only way they can keep your children safe is if they know what is going on!
Being involved in your child’s education will help your child have a great educational experience and you may be able to help with bigger problems that could arise in the education system.
As a parent or teacher, what steps do you take in order to ensure your child’s safety? Please comment below!
~McKenzie
