Do school security measures, like lockdown drills and metal detectors, make students feel more or less safe?
813714
Harris Interactive, a survey research company, has conducted several studies on safety and violence among youth.  Many states have conducted research in order to comply with the No Child Left Behind Act's detrimental labeling of a "consistently dangerous school".  You can find these resources on the internet (check out some of the links below).\n\nMy opinion is that learning how to deal with something empowers you and gives you a sense of competence or control, so I would rather have the measures in place rather than the hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil approach which simply gambles that nothing bad will happen.
454142
well I think a lot of it depends on who sees the whats on camera, and where exactly they point. if you think about it lunch room, classrooms, and hallways are really public and fairly high traffic areas. even if there where no camera's around I think most people would figure out that you don't do stuff there you don't want everyone else seeing as there is a fairly good chance of them walking through or by that spot.  it would be another matter if they where in bathrooms or locker rooms or places that are supposed to be more private. but for places where there is usually a crowd of people I don't see how a camera added to the mix is going to reveal anything that wouldn't normally be found out if they had the staff out wondering the building more.
658372
I believe so, especially in areas where students are very focused on wearing certain shoes, jackets etc.  It reduces the risk of them being assaulted and robbed of their clothing, and makes the environment at school much less explosive.\n\nAlso, many schools with uniforms are offered vouchers to help pay for uniforms , which is very helpful to parents who have a hard time paying for school clothes for their children .\n\nIt also helps the kids who don't have the cool hip clothes from feeling out of place when everyone is wearing the the same thing.
1173616
Mr Chris: you should start keeping a log of all your activities, report all your incidences to school officials, they are there to create a safe environment for you. If at any time you do not feel safe report it to your principal or counselor. If you need to sue the school district because they failed to protect you, your log you kept will help you in the court of law!!!\n\nPS. your log is like a diary!
219059
It's like most of the rest of the internet:  it, itself isn't necessarily safe or unsafe.  it's how you use it.  Don't give out personal information or post photographs in places people can use to find you (like in front of your house).  Don't go meet strangers or invite them over.  Don't even give out your favorite email address if it has too much information in it (name of your school/business with your full name).\n\nIf you're asking whether or not it's safe for your kids, then the answer is "no."  Kids tend to be too trusting on the internet and feel safer than they really are.
401160
Lots of reasons. Mainly though, the people that control the curriculum in public schools do NOT want you to be able to protect yourself. That makes you easier to control, and force into complying with situations which you wouldn't tolerate if you had the ability to resist.
387697
Hmm. Well, there are not too many reasons why it would be good not to have them.\nHowever, from a legal stand point, a school could feasibly leave themselves open for litigation. By having the cameras there, one has a false sense of security that someone is 'keeping an eye' on them. \nI have to say that there are more reasons to bring them into the schools. Especially if there is a history of violence (fights, drugs, ganges, etc.) in the school. In many instances, it would not be a 'He said, She said'. There would be photographic evidence to back up a claim.\n\n--- And, this is not an invasion of privacy if the cameras are in public places. There is no expectation of privacy in any place other than a bathroom. \nLikewise, minors have very limited rights as far as law is considered. If there is an issue, a parent can petition their removal. But, as I stated above, any rational parent would want this added security measure.
237263
You may have understood how the whole system works.  If you understand what you are doing, what will be keeping you safe, then fear decreases.
1111400
as protection or security
36729
Sadly, I think that in all urban areas, they should do this. But, this just dosen't happen in cities, it's starting to happen in suburbia as well. I think that it is up to the school itself. If you know you're in an area where there is a rapid growth of gangs or gang-like activities, then it should be a no brainer. As for suburban area schools, I think that a medal detector may be a little too much but that they should have at least a couple of guards on hand. Just in case. In five years, I predict that a fourth of America's schools won't have medal detectors of any kind. Because that's how bad it is going to get. Sad.
675358
It's very insecure, they need to update that practice. However, you need to consider that An awful lot of the security measures you see in everyday life are \nnot being done by institutions because they are terribly effective, \nbut because they need to be seen to be doing something
889319
If you are concerned about someone who lives close to a school, have a word with the school's Child Protection Officer.  If there's any substance to your fears, the school probably already knows about him.
45924
Yes, in order to keep other children safe, it is imperative that the school has the right to search the locker. When I was in school, we were told that the lockers were not our property, and they belonged to the school, therefore, they could be searched at anytime. If you have nothing to hide, then why not let them search?
87904
I'd assume in a violent school, students would be slightly less open to avoid conflict, and thus, would avoid socializing more as well as hindering adaptation to their new environment.
1082491
It is important that everyone feel safe and actually be safe.  There are situations when some take it upon themselves to infringe on the rights of everyone and attempt to steal or harm them.  When there is reasonable suspicion that something is not right, then today we give our law enforcement the prerogative to take action.\n\nNo matter what anyone may think, this is the very best the civilization has developed so far in the history of the world.  It is not perfect by a long shot.  It will continue to improve as long as people like you are thoughtful enough to keep everyone thinking.
638339
It's kind of a false dilemma.  Security and freedom can coexist, it just makes it a little harder.  I personally would rather be able to read, write, think, or say whatever I want without sanction than feel secure under surveillance.
639109
it is very diffent we fear our childern going to school now more thsn ever i think kids do more fighting and skipping than evr before education is the last thing on there minds when they go they want to see friends. more than they want to see the teacher i think school is going down hill