College campus safety is a critical problem for young adult students, especially those with learning differences who might not be as socially savvy and as aware of incipient dangers. With recent tragic news of students already injured on college campuses before the start of the academic semester, safety on campus is a very important topic to discuss.
What is “safe” is subjective, but in a place where there can be a lot of “gray” physical and social situations, it’s important to note there are some very objective safety structures in place on college campuses.
When a parent drops off their young adult onto a college campus, they want the world for them. They are simultaneously proud and overjoyed for the future of their kid, and also terrified for the safety of their child. If you can appreciate this ambivalence, you are not alone. This is very normal for parents.
To ensure your young adult still has the opportunity to learn and grow into an independent young adult, but be aware of dangerous situations, we have tips to share with your young person on how they can maintain their own safety.
Here are 10 Tips to help your child guard their personal safety on campus:
- Know where campus safety locations are on campus. In the event of an emergency when you don’t have access to a phone, know where the campus police phones are on campus. with their blue light, they are easy to distinguish.
- Remember that there is safety in numbers, especially at night: If you are walking on or near campus at night, be careful. It’s always safer to walk in a group.
- Learn how to defend yourself, with devices and with techniques. Carry mace, a stun gun, a whistle, or cat eyes. Train on self-defense techniques. Some academic classes end after the sun has set, so walking home in the dark is inevitable. Be prepared.
- Be very careful getting into a car alone. Pay attention to your surroundings (people, noises, cyclists, etc.). Have your car alarm at the ready to bring attention to you for safety purposes.
- Always lock up. Period. When you are not in your room, please lock up your door and window(s). To ensure not having items stolen and/or unwelcome guests in your room, make sure you utilize the locks. If you want to go an extra step, buy a lock for a desk in your room. That is beneficial for if a student if he or she has a differing schedule than their roommate, and their roommate is bringing people in their residence hall room.
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