Study: Communication Important Aspect In Reducing School Violence

  • Oct 12, 2007

With the proliferation of school violence across the nation, legislators and school administrators are contemplating massive expenditures in physical security improvements, including the installation of security cameras, metal detectors and the hiring of additional security personnel.

And while these types of long-term capital investments may be important components of a comprehensive approach to school safety, a new white paper titled 'A Strategy for Safer Schools' reveals that officials may be overlooking the most important and effective aspect in reducing the likelihood of school violence -- communication. By focusing on and improving the frequency and flow of two-way dialogue between students and faculty, the paper suggests, school administrators can foster a safer learning environment more rapidly and at a lower overall cost.

The white paper concludes that students are the best source of information for what is happening inside schools and school administrators must facilitate two-way dialogue so that students become active participants in making their environment more secure. In fact, the emphasis on physical security improvements are seen by many students as restrictions on their freedom further exacerbating the communication gap between the adults who seek to protect them and the children themselves.

"The overwhelming majority of students want a safe place to learn -- free of bullies and fights and peer pressure -- but if students are to be part of the security solution, school administrators must give adolescents a voice and demonstrate trust," said Carter Myers, President of AnComm, the developer of 'Talk About It,' an anonymous online messaging service for schools. "Students have all the information we need to keep them safe, but they need the means to communicate with adults without fear of retribution or embarrassment from peers. The schools that are addressing communication as the 'hub' of their strategy rather than a 'spoke' are seeing more significant improvements in their overall school culture."

The paper can be viewed at http://www.ancomm.com/whitepaper.

Featured

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
Most   Popular

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.