College Safety Tips
When it comes to College Safety, we've been there, done that, now serving 71 tips in 7 categories ranging from Avoid Becoming A Victim to Student Safety In The Dorms.
College Student Substance Abuse
Substance abuse by college students is a big problem. It also plays a part in most violent crimes. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are many consequences of alcohol abuse including: injury, assault, sexual abuse, vandalism, and death. As a parent, you should take time to educate your child about the risk they take when they abuse alcohol or drugs. Once they leave for college, they are are part of a whole new experience that can include parties and bars. For many students, this new found freedom is an opportunity to experiment and expand beyond the boundaries that they knew at home. This means that they no longer have to deal with limitations placed on them by mom and dad. The only way to keep them away from this is by helping them understand the consequences of substance abuse.
Campus Police
The campus police are there to keep your child safe from harm while at the college. They have to follow the same laws that other campus personnel do and cannot release information to you about your son or daughter except in special circumstances. If your child is in serious trouble, they may provide you with information but it will depend on the situation. Count on these people to do the best they can to protect your child and try not to get in their way.
When any type of disaster strikes a campus, the college police will often be the first responders. They are typically able to deal with minor crimes, traffic offenses, and weather emergencies. Any time a serious or violent crime occurs, they are likely to call in local, state or federal law enforcement for support. You can contact the campus police to get an understanding on how they deal with major disasters. In most cases, they will have an emergency plan developed on how they deal with crisis and when to contact other support.
Be Aware Of Your Child's Behavior
Protecting your child on campus can start at home by being observant of any strange or unusual behavior. If your son or daughter is acting differently, it may be time to seek counseling since something may have happened or they could be involved with drugs. While a college or university does everything it can to keep your son or daughter safe, you have to take some responsibility as well. Don't ignore potential warning signs. There are a number of physical and behavioral changes that occur in someone using drugs, including: appetite changes, problems with coordination, insomnia/fatigue, needle marks, personality changes, moodiness, paranoia, and secretive. They may be showing signs of a mental problem if your son or daughter can no longer handle daily activities; has delusions or hallucinations; or, seems paranoid. In either case, help should be sought because your child could be a danger to themselves or others.
Your Rights As A Parent
Once your child reaches the age of 18 or is attending a college or university, they are considered an adult and their right to privacy is protected. What this means for you – the parent – is that you don't have a lot of rights when your child leaves for school. Every college and university official knows how hard it is for parents to see their children leave for the first time, but they have to respect the rights of the student. This means they cannot give out any information including your child's school schedule or semester grades. It is up to you to work out a plan with your son or daughter to make sure you have the information you need. In the event of an emergency, the school can provide you with general information, but details specific to your child cannot be shared without the express permission of the student. However, if your child was seriously injured, is in danger, or represents a danger to others the college or university will most likely contact you.
It is hard to realize that after years of being responsible for this person, you suddenly have no rights when they leave for college. This isn't occurring because the school doesn't care about the parents, but they have to follow the law and respect the privacy of the student. In some cases, your child can talk to personnel in student affairs to sign a waiver so that you can have access to their information. If this something that you and your child agree to, then contact your schools student support services office to find out how this can be arranged.
Keeping Your Child Safe At School
It's every parent's worst nightmare that they will get a call in the middle of the night telling them that something has happened to their child. Letting go—when your son or daughter heads off to college – can be the hardest thing to do. How can you protect them when they are so far away? You won't be able to do everything for them anymore, but you can help them be prepared and improve their ability to be safe.
1. Review the campus crime statistics and consider that information when selecting a school.
2. Develop a communications plan.
3. Educate your child on what they should do during a natural disaster.
4. Check the campus security.
5. Get them a self-defense weapon that is permitted by the college or university.
6. Have them carry a call phone with them at all times.
7. Make sure they understand how drugs or alcohol play a part in most violent crimes.
Responding To A Natural Disaster: Your Child's Safety
When a natural disaster happens at your child's school, you may be left feeling helpless and scared. You are not alone. The best way to combat this is to be prepared. If your student has a cell phone, use that to communicate with them. Of course, cell phone towers can be cut off during a natural disaster, so always have a back up plan. It may be difficult, but you may have to be patient and wait for your child or their school to get word to you. This may not be easy if all communications are down following the natural disaster. The school may be putting in place a plan to provide food and shelter for the students. This will be their primary concern. As soon as possible they will work to get information out to the public.
In the event that you live relatively close to the college or university, wait until the area has been cleared by emergency personnel before showing up. Since your son or daughter may be moved to a safe location following the disaster, it may be best to wait until you have received a communication from your child or the school.
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| Carma Spence-Pothitt |
