Keeping Students and Schools Safe
This article is based on an interview with a noted expert on school violence who recently co-authored the book Targeting Innocence--When Terrorism Comes to School. Central to school safety are supportive bonds with adults who help create school climates free of bullying. The expert interviewed is Michael Dorn. He recommends that in regard to antiterrorism preparation, school and public safety officials do what they should already be doing--develop a comprehensive, four-phase school safety plan as recommended by the U.S. Department of Education (2003). In regard to pressing issues in school safety, first he points out the more efficient use of safety resources. Another related issue is negligent supervision, which he refers as a legal term, used when school districts are sued. A lot of people who think that just because a teacher, coach, or staff member is present that children are being supervised, which is not always true. Many adults do not understand that supervision is a top priority, and time and time again bullying can happen ten feet from a teacher. In his writing, he mentions the importance of uncovering, reporting, and tracking school incidents. When children are not able to speak about bullying or do not have a supportive adult, there is a dramatically increased risk of suicide, dropping out of school, greatly heightened risk of bringing weapons to school and using them, and problems after they have finished school. Teachers and other adults need to care and be alert. The next is to become educated on issues of bullying.