The challenges of keeping inappropriate people out of a K-12 school have led many campus administrators to rethink how they control building entries. Unwanted visitors ranging from a non-custodial parent to an active shooter have too often entered a school through an easily accessible door. However, there are steps security experts agree can prevent – or at least delay – entry, making both students and teachers safer.
A report from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that the percent of schools reporting cyberbullying increased from 62.3 percent of schools in 2010 to 80.9 percent in 2016.
As many school districts face limited funding, it can be difficult to see past budget restraints when trying to address security issues. By identifying areas of improvement, school officials can develop a security plan and act on it in order to better protect their environment without breaking the bank.
The Federal Commission on School Safety (Commission) has released a 177-page report detailing 93 best practices and policy recommendations for improving safety at schools across the country.
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission recommended that teachers who volunteer and undergo extensive background checks and training be allowed to carry concealed guns on campus to stop future shootings.
The frequency with which Americans worry about becoming the victim of a variety of different crimes is similar to last year, as they remain much more likely to fear being victimized by cybercrimes than traditional crimes.