Understanding The Importance Of Security For Children

Today’s school children are concerned with much more than Friday night dates, good grades, and social interactions. Children now have the added concern of possible school shootings. Unfortunately, not even elementary schools are as safe as we would like them to be. Public schools would benefit from the presence of security personnel. American children should be able to grow and mature into adults without the additional stress of danger in a public learning environment.

If implemented, security guards could be a division of the local police department. Candidates would train with police officers and have regular counseling training with child development courses. The company of a security guard does not have to be an intimidating or a dominating presence it can also be a positive experience for children. If children are comfortable with law enforcement personnel they are far more likely to approach them if a troubling situation comes up. For example, if students hear of a party or someone being bullied they will have another form of authority they can report to. Children can come to know the personnel as a friendly dependable presence just like their teachers.

Security personnel are not taking away rights from children, but are giving them more caring adults in the educational environment. Knowing and understanding the purpose of the guards allows the opportunity for future adults to be more cooperative with law enforcement in the future. As young college students children will see security officers on various campuses. Why would a guard at a grade level school be any different from a college or university security officer? Both are there for the safety of the student and employees.

Too often a child’s first interaction with firearms is in a video game or in a cartoon. In a video game children experience shootings, quick reloads, and a never ending replenishment of a character’s life. With an armed security officer, children have the opportunity to understand weapons are not play things. The equipment found on an officer’s duty belt is to be handled with care and not to be used as a play object. This can lead to a better understanding of other firearms they might see at home, on T.V., or in video games. Public schools have earthquake drills, fire drills, innovator drills, and puberty classes. So why not help youth understand firearms?

This is not a cure all quick fix but an avenue for opportunity. It is an opportunity to build better public relations. A better relationship with officers can lead to help with solving and prevent future crimes. Law officers are present for public safety. Why not have officers for the safety of children in public schools?