Campus Safety

For the month of April I have been focused on safety and children of any age. This past week, I toured colleges with my daughter. Naturally I thought of safety on campuses and by extension keeping are grown children safe.

“Campus safety measures may include initiatives and programs designed to create a safer environment for students attending college. These measures often include ride-share programs, self-defense training, and courses in crime prevention strategies. Most schools also offer evening safety escort shuttles.” — Rayelle Davis, Best Colleges

What are some things our kids can do to protect themselves?

1.    Carry Mace/Pepper spray (check with your state about age minimum)

2.   Take a self-defense class

3.   Go out in a group with a “designated driver” who is responsible to get everyone home safely

4.   Or in the case of my friend, a personal alarm that when set off is so loud even a NYC rat will cover his/her ears

“The most prevalent crimes committed on college campuses include burglary, motor vehicle theft, sexual assault, and fondling. In 2019, of the nearly 28,000 on-campus crimes, burglaries accounted for over 9,000 and forcible sex offenses accounted for almost 12,000. Other crimes reported that year include robbery, aggravated assault, arson, and murder.” — Rayelle Davis, Best Colleges

One of many styles available

Now, what happens after they graduate. The friend I spoke of earlier received the personal alarm when she moved to NYC after law school (she is originally from PA). As part of any safety talk, you have with child clearly define when they should come to you or another adult and when they should contact the police.

Is it important at any age that if our children fell unsafe, they at least feel comfortable telling and adult or a police officer. I had an afterschool job in HS. Once my parents met my boss, there was an unspoken understanding that if my boss thought I was in grave danger she would alert my parents otherwise what I told her was kept in confidence. For the record that boss is still a dear friend, and my daughter calls her and her husband “Grandma and Grandpa.” The moral of this story is to make sure your child has an adult they are comfortable speaking with if it isn’t you.

So, talk to your kids about how to be safe at any age and remember to be safe yourself.