Youth across the nation will be returning to school soon. There’s always a lot to think about at the beginning of a new school year, but make sure you take some time to think about your safety and the safety of those around you.
Fighting at school has serious consequences for everyone involved, and can also have detrimental effects on the educational environment that schools try to create. In schools where fights are common, students are more fearful and distracted from their studies. To help prevent fights at school, check out A Dozen Things Students Can Do To Stop School Violence (pdf). Preventing fights will allow everyone at school to feel safer.
Each year, the technology that students use to communicate gets more advanced. These days, students have access to cell phones, text messaging, blogs, and social networks. These tools are great for staying in touch with friends, but any of them could be used to spread intimidating or harmful messages to others if used improperly. Watch out for cyberbullying and if you see someone being victimized, tell a trusted adult right away.
Like many students, you may have valuable property that you take with you to school, such as a cell phone or portable music player. Make sure you keep your belongings protected at all times. Check out the tips in A Teenager’s Guide to Protecting Portable Property (pdf) to avoid becoming a victim of theft.
School is much more enjoyable in a safe and secure environment, so do what you can to prevent crime at your school this year. Your educational experience and those of your classmates will be better for it.
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