Impact of Social Media

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/4/800.full

Over the last few years we have seen an increase in the use of social media among pre-adolescents and adolescents.  As such, this has become a significant part of this generations overall development.  As a result, we have continued to see an increase in bullying, cliques, and sexual exploration among our youth. Adolescents typically find it is easier to experiment more and say more when they do not have to look directly into the face of the person involved.  The children accessing these sites have yet to develop the ability to regulate their behavior, understand how to deal with peer pressure, and  understand the consequences of misuse. As a result there is a need for increased education on the ramifications of such behavior.

There are many positive things that have come from social media such as enhanced learning opportunities, the opportunity to improve their communities, and the ability to access important information.  However there are many significant risks as well.  Adolescents have a higher risk of inappropriate peer to peer contact, a lack of understanding of privacy issues, and a lack of understanding on how to deal with the advertisements that are aimed at them.  As a result we have seen an increase in cyber bullying, sexting, and depression.

As schools, we need to work to educate our students, parents, and communities.  We need to work with students and teach them coping skills when negative things bombard their lives and screens to prevent self harm.  We need to educate them on the consequences that they could face legally when they are a part of cyber bullying.  We need to educate them on privacy and the things that they should not share, as people misrepresent themselves to bring harm to others.  Essentially, we need to TEACH!  Teach them right from wrong.  Teach them that not everything is as it seems.  Teach them not to depend on others for their personal feelings of success.  We are raising a generation that is exposed to so much more than any of us could imagine.  We know that as adolescents that they are still formulating a conscience, so we need to help mold that conscience in a positive manner.

Components of a secure school

http://www.campussafetymagazine.com/article/11-components-of-a-secure-school-front-entrance

We know that protecting our schools from unwanted visitors is an imperfect thing at best.  I found this article to be very interesting, as well as an outstanding tool to evaluate where each school is in meeting the safety and security components of the most heavily traveled location in our buildings, the front door. Finding a proper balance between safety and security and a welcoming entrance can be a tough act but it is the first line of defense when it comes to our schools, therefore it requires proper attention.

While my school meets most of these criteria, the fact that we are in an older building limits us from following through on several of the vital recommendations, as well as the areas that my SRO has pointed out.  In reality this article represents the, "...if I could design my school building the way I would want..." mentality.  I know that there are areas that we should address and fix but I also know that there are just some things that I cannot change.  I guess as in everything, it is a constant work in progress as well as working with your limitations.

Schools are safer due to increased awareness

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/13/school-violence-security-sandy-hook/3446023/

I think this perspective is really true when it comes to the overall safety of our schools.  We have all become far more aware of our surroundings, have trained our staff and students on what to do, we practice on a regular basis, doors are locked, and buzzer systems have been installed.  All of these things have increased the safety of our school buildings and help to protect them from acts of violence.

So much of what is happening now needs to refocus on something we have always known, we need more opportunities to provide appropriate mental health support for our schools and community.  School shootings have a psychological impact on the community and country which causes alarms throughout.  When you look at the overall statistics and the number of students and teachers on the campuses of schools around this country, we find that in reality, most of our schools are extremely safe places for students.

Sexting

Recently read the following article:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/01/07/sexting-common-linked-to-sex-among-high-risk-youth/?intcmp=features

This link above is an article that discusses how a researcher in a Rhode Island hospital conducted a study in which he found middle school students with behavioral or emotional problems to be at a higher risk for sexting and for engaging in sexual activity.  Each of us have students at our schools with various challenges, and I have unfortunately had to deal with students before that have made these poor decisions.  I was curious what your thoughts are in response to this article, and if any of you have words of wisdom that may benefit us all as we work to point the children under our care in the right direction.

Communicating Safety Article

I just wanted to share an article from the American School Board Journal that I found interesting.  It was written by Kenneth Trump entitled “Communicating Safety”.  It can be accessed at the following web address: http://www.schoolsecurity.org/training/Communicating-Safety.pdf.  Here are a few interesting excerpts from the article:

 “Parents send their children  to school under the impression that all possible steps-from prevention to security to preparedness-have been taken.  When an incident occurs, many parents then question whether the trust they have placed in school leaders has been violated.               Effective school-community relations can be defined as “good behavior, well communicated.” To effectively communicate about safety issues, you must make sure your schools have well-developed and exercised safety  and crisis plans and your staff is trained to implement the plans.”

   “Parents basically want to know the answers to two different broad questions:

1)      What measures are in place in my child’s school to prevent or reduce the risk of crime, violence, and other safety hazards?

2)      Are school officials prepared to respond and manage incidents that can’t be prevented?”

“Preparedness measures include crisis plans that are well developed and exercised, staff members trained on these plans, strong partnerships with first responders and community agencies, and related efforts.”

“Board members, superintendents, principals, and other representatives should be able to articulate district and building-level measures that are in place at any time-before, during, or after a crisis.  Telling parents and the media that school safety is “our top priority” is not enough. Parents and reporters are much more educated consumers of best practices, and generalities will not suffice.”  

“The time to prepare for the future is now. School safety is a leadership issue. By making prevention, security, and preparedness an ongoing district priority, boards and administrators can protect children and staff, the district’s reputation, and the credibility of the district’s leaders.”

I hope you all have a nice weekend.

2014 TAASRO 15th Annual "Safe Schools" Conference

TAASRO is once again gearing up for our annual conference. Potential education slated for this year involves: juvenile emotional and physical responses to stressful environments explained through psychological and biological means, new trends in music, clothing and behavior that effects the school environment, adaptive mindset concerning personal safety (self-defense), new active shooter response techniques, information on human trafficking, school massacre in Beslan, Russia (blueprint for American school attack), understanding and interacting with special education students. Given these topics, I am soliciting suggestions for a conference theme that would integrate each into a single purpose of education.

Anna Watts Professional Learning : School Bullies Often Popular, Survey Finds

Anna Watts Professional Learning : School Bullies Often Popular, Survey Finds: School Bullies Often Popular, Survey Finds