New School Safety Rules Cause Worry, People Ask If They Work

Schools are adding more safety rules to keep students safe. But some people worry these rules make students feel anxious and might not be the best way to help. We look at what experts are saying.
By Newsroom | Education, Safety |

An increasing focus on school security measures, spurred by events and directives, is creating noticeable anxiety among parents and students. While the aim is to enhance safety, these measures are prompting deeper scrutiny regarding their true impact on the learning environment and the well-being of young people. The question remains whether these protocols are a truly beneficial solution or if they introduce unforeseen complications.

"The anxiety that goes with heightened security measures is paramount among experts." - National Post

A Wave of Security Audits and Concerns

Recent directives, such as the one from Alberta's Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides to all school boards, are mandating audits of safety protocols. This includes checking essential functions like door locks, intercoms, and the placement of safety equipment.

  • The Calgary Board of Education has publicly stated its commitment to taking all threats seriously.

  • The directive follows a reported shooting incident in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., which may have heightened national concerns about school safety.

Evaluating the Impact: Effectiveness Versus Intrusion

Research is actively exploring how students, parents, and school staff perceive the security measures now common in educational settings.

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  • A study in Environment Systems and Decisions directly assessed the perceived effectiveness and intrusiveness of these countermeasures.

  • The research also examined how these security measures influence decisions related to attending or remaining at a school.

  • School security and perceptions of safety among students and parents in the United States is a related area of investigation.

Potential Downsides of Enhanced Security

Some analyses suggest that an over-reliance on technological security, often termed "target hardening," might be counterproductive.

  • Drew Chambers argues that technology-centric security can potentially limit more effective, non-technological approaches to school safety.

  • There's a concern that these measures could inadvertently undermine other crucial aspects of schooling.

Security Measures and Their Effect on Learning

Beyond safety, the impact of security protocols on the educational experience itself is a significant area of concern.

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  • Studies indicate that heightened security can lead to increased feelings of being observed among students.

  • This heightened awareness may, in turn, elevate student anxiety levels.

  • Finding a balance between ensuring safety and providing quality education is essential.

Broader Outcomes and Long-Term Effects

The implications of school security measures extend to students' academic, behavioral, and social development.

  • Research, like that focusing on school criminalization through a justice-focused lens, examines these broader effects.

  • Particular attention is being paid to how these policies disproportionately affect minoritized student populations.

  • Investigations are also considering whether the associations between security measures and student outcomes have changed over time.

Expert Perspectives

  • Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta's Education Minister, acknowledges the need for security audits while affirming that Alberta's schools are safe.

  • Drew Chambers posits that an over-reliance on technological security might hinder other effective safety strategies and undermine educational goals.

  • Research cited in the National Post highlights that anxiety related to heightened security measures is a paramount concern among experts.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

The drive to enhance school security is understandable, especially in light of past incidents. However, the evidence suggests a complex picture. While physical safety is paramount, the psychological toll and potential negative impacts on the learning environment cannot be overlooked. Further research and a balanced approach are necessary to ensure that security measures truly serve the best interests of students and the educational mission of schools. The ongoing audits and assessments represent a critical step in understanding and mitigating any unintended consequences.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are schools adding more safety rules?
Schools are adding more rules to try and keep students safer, especially after bad events. They are checking things like door locks and safety equipment.
Q: Do these new rules make students feel safe?
Some people worry that these rules make students feel more anxious and watched. This could affect how they learn and feel at school.
Q: Are these rules really working?
Experts are studying if these safety rules are helping as much as they should. They also wonder if too much focus on technology might stop other good ways to keep schools safe.
Q: Who is affected most by these rules?
These rules can affect everyone, but some research looks at how they might affect minority students more. It's important to find a balance between safety and a good learning place.