The Impact of School Security on Student Well-Being

• By Deborah Toppins
• 12/03/24

One of the most fundamental human requirements, as outlined in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, is the provision of basic needs: food, shelter, and clothing. In school, this hierarchy of needs shifts to include the need for physical, mental, and emotional safety. The student mind is not biologically wired to deal with the negative impacts of unsafe environments, which implies that security has a major impact on student well-being.

The Intricate Link Between Safety and Improved Student Well-being

School violence has been an issue of national concern since the start of the 1970s. The unending cases of gun violence in schools explain the torrents of research by various professionals, from juvenile justice to public health and researchers from the education sector. The rush from these researchers is not in vain because their findings indicate that violence, aggression, and resultant victimization are the major contributors to the feelings of fear among students in schools. Safety, which is the absence of violence, inevitably becomes the greatest source of improved well-being for students.

The link between safety and improved student well-being emerges from the effects of violence and how students naturally respond. For instance, students do not consider a violent act solely from its nature as a form of violence but what it would mean to them as victims of that violent act. Ultimately, students have a unique way of judging how safe they feel at school, which is often used as an indicator of their level of overall perceived risk.

Unfortunately for these students, the perception of risk emerges from physically witnessing acts of violence and also indirectly being exposed to violence through the media when it details acts of school violence in other parts of the country. Given that schools have no control over some exposure to violence from the media, and even physically, it is only necessary that schools deliberately focus on creating a positive school environment to improve the sense of safety for students.

Schools that have succeeded in this endeavor have noted how a positive and safe school environment improves the students’ well-being, which manifests in improved academic excellence and better emotional well-being for everyone in the school community. A safe and positive school environment is conducive to learning, and students can also focus on their personal growth.

Safety in schools is known to improve students’ mental and physical health. When students feel safe in school, they inevitably experience better physical and mental health, which also translates to improved behavior and academic outcomes. The opposite happens when students feel unsafe in school. Such students experience increased emotional issues, especially when they are direct victims of crime or bullying. Ultimately, such students can easily become victims of more violence and resultant emotional consequences.

How Schools Can Foster a Culture of Safety

Schools can focus on physical adjustments to improve the safety and overall experience of their students.

Adjustments to the Exterior of the Premises

Designing landscapes without tall trees and shrubs ensures that students remain visible in all areas of the school, without any obstructions. A sense of safety is also heightened if there is an unobstructed view between the front doors of the school and the main office and vegetation is kept away from the classroom windows.

Well-Lit Campus Facilities

Improving lighting within the school premises is another way to create and foster a culture of safety in schools. In addition to updating lighting, schools should adopt controlled access to some points within the school to ensure that only registered students can move around the school compound. Enough lighting makes students see others and be seen, especially when in parking lots and on walkways around the school.

Prioritize Safety in Schools

Given the endless threats to student safety in schools, preparing students for potential crises remains a priority. Parents, students, and school personnel should collaborate to build a culture of safety by carrying out periodic safety drills. Ultimately, students will feel confident and equipped to handle challenges, which will strengthen their sense of safety within the school environment.

Using Metal Detectors and CCTV Cameras

Schools must leverage the power of technology and install CCTV cameras at strategic points within the schools. If students see that security issues are resolved with the help of technology, they will move around the school without tension and fear, which ultimately means improved well-being. Metal detectors are also a common item used in different buildings, especially because guns are the biggest threat to student safety in schools. Metal detectors act as a deterrent measure for students who might be tempted to bring guns to school.

Develop a Strong Counselling and Psychiatric Department

A strong counseling department can provide access to what students are planning or thinking. Students with mental health issues can be identified and helped before they can actualize the things they hear in their altered mental states. Schools should also consider involving the community in efforts to improve the mental health of students, such as partnering with local counselors and mental health professionals to offer these services to ensure that no student is left out when they need help.

Creating an Integrated Support System

It is one thing for schools to focus on the mental health and well-being of their students without taking into consideration the state of these children when they go home. Some students might be exposed to violence at home, and such students have a different sense of understanding of what safety entails and why they should not engage in aggressive behaviors. An integrated support system between the school and the students’ communities will help create a personalized approach to supporting students and guaranteeing the safety of many other students and school staff.

Invest in Practices and Structures that Foster Strong Relationships

In any community, strong relationships always mean a better sense of safety and improved student well-being. In school, students can be put in small learning communities, and allocating time to build school-family connections provides an opportunity for students to know where they and their families come from. If any of these students notice any changes in the behavior of a member of their learning communities, they should report it to the counseling department for a follow-up.

Building a Legacy of Safety and Well-Being for Future Generations

Fostering a culture of safety and well-being in schools is about igniting the flame of safety consciousness in students. It is important that all institutions recognize that safety is not an obligation but a legacy that one leaves for generations to come.