In this day and age, the safety and security of children in school are crucial. Sadly, there are more threats that have grown in number, and educational institutes like schools have become a target.
For parents, most have trust in public schools to look after their children for the duration of the school day. Whether this is inside the building or outside on a school trip, school safety should be tight regardless.
There are 8 security measures that schools can implement to improve school security and safety for both students and teachers. With this article, you can take the guidance offered to help protect the little ones you’re responsible for when they set foot on the property, including a focus on security screens, surveillance and restricted master key systems.
The Importance Of Increased Security In Schools
Whether it’s public schools or private schools, primary schools or high schools, these institutes are all at risk of becoming a target if left vulnerable.
Security has become important for not only students but also for teachers who expect a safe working environment. Parents also place strong importance on adequate school security measures so they can feel at ease and confident that their child will be safe at school.
Back in 2018, a report by the Commissioner for Children and Young People found that 20% of students in Year 7 to Year 12 felt unsafe “often or sometimes” – whilst 44% feared that someone may hurt or bully them. No child should be feeling this way, especially when a school should be the safest place for them to be.
Most Effective School Security Measures
If you’ve been looking at how you could improve school safety within your school, then there are plenty of measures you can put in place for this year and beyond.
1. Ensure A Well-Lit Exterior
For public schools and private schools, a good way to help improve school security is by having well-lit exteriors during school hours. It’s not always something you would think about, especially during those summer months where it’s lighter in the mornings and evenings.
However, that’s not always the case and to ensure your students can be seen everywhere, it’s worth having well-lit exteriors around the entire grounds of the school.
2. Monitor All Access Points
Ideally, all access points to the property should be monitored at all times. By controlling access to the building, you limit who can get in and out. The two most common ways to control and monitor all access points is to have security cameras installed and have an experienced locksmith company install a restricted master key system.
- Security Cameras: Place security cameras at all key entry points to the school whether high-traffic or low-traffic areas. Have the screens monitored by staff in the admin office, and keep recordings for at least 30 days.
- Restricted Master Key System: This advanced method of access allows different teachers, faculty staff, contractors and more a level of access determined by the school. A restricted master key system is very common in large companies, corporations and education departments that place a high level of importance on security.
3. Install High-Security Locks On The Building
The building itself should be well-locked with high-quality locks, both when students are on the premises and when the building is closed for the night.
It’s also worthwhile having security screens installed throughout the property on any window or door entrances that could be forcefully opened such as glass panels. They’re a great way to add an extra layer of security, should you feel the school entrance points need them.
4. Monitor The Building’s Interior
You should be keeping a close eye on the building’s interior through security practices like security cameras. These are great for keeping track of what’s going on throughout the building and can help keep all children and staff safe as a result.
Security cameras located in internal areas can also be referred to in the event of an incident between students, or students and any staff.
5. Ensure The Perimeter Is Secured
Be sure to check on the perimeters of the building. According to OEDC, the average number of students in each public school class is 24, meaning there’s typically a lot of ground to cover to keep every class protected.
Securing the perimeters is crucial in keeping everyone safe. Having security screens installed as security doors and security windows provide premium protection from intruders. They can keep everyone safe inside whilst giving a visual of what’s going on outside.
For teachers, they can go throughout their day without having to worry about what’s happening around the perimeters of the property.
6. Implement Visitor Access Procedures
In education, there are likely to be visitors coming onto the property at various times. It’s important to implement visitor access procedures so that, as a school, controlled access is in operation at all times.
It helps your reception and security team to keep track of who should be in the building and who shouldn’t be on the property.
7. Work With Community Initiatives
The community around your local area can be useful in helping keep children safe. It’s not just the schools that can be vulnerable but the surrounding areas where your students are walking to and from the premises.
Your school board can work hand in hand with organisations, such as Kidsafe WA to make sure that enough is being done to keep kids safe when out and about at any time during the day, and outside of school hours.
8. Install Panic Room Technology
A panic room is one that many domestic properties have begun installing in the event that a robbery was to occur. For students on the property, it’s good to have a panic room so that should it be needed, children and students can seek safety in a completely secure space.
Why Do Schools Need Security Screens And Locks?
Schools can benefit from security screens and locks in addition to their normal unexpected event procedures, offering an added level of protection. The focus of students should be spent on their education and not worrying about intruders or unusual people visiting the school.
Having security screens helps add an extra layer of security and reduces the risk of harm to both children and teachers on the premises.
It also gives the students and teachers on the property a clear view of what’s happening around them at all times but behind the safety of security screens.
Bolster Your School’s Security With Central Screens & Locks
To help bolster your school’s security, Central Screens & Locks can provide a range of durable Amplimesh security screens. Give your students, their parents and teachers peace of mind that they’re in a safe environment when on the school property.
