Feeling Safe At School: School Safety, Learning, And Mental Health
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
A sense of safety tends to be fundamental to a student’s ability to learn and thrive. However, students may face a wide range of threats to their safety and well-being, including bullying, violence, and discrimination, which can undermine their sense of security. Below, explore how perceptions of school safety can impact mental health and academic performance and discover helpful strategies for creating a safe school community. Learn about the benefits of therapy for parents and students experiencing school-related behavioral and mental health concerns.
What does it mean to feel safe at school?
Feeling safe at school may involve multiple components:
- Physical safety
- Emotional safety
- A sense of belonging
While physical safety may be the most widely discussed, emotional safety and belonging can also be crucial for young people. These types of safety may be present when students can be themselves and trust that they will be accepted by others. Predictable, consistent routines and structures can also contribute to emotional safety.
1.7M reviews with a 4.9/5 ★ session rating
Find the right therapist for you.
What type of therapy are you looking for?
Let's walk through the process of finding the right therapist for you! We'll start off with some basic questions.
Feeling safe at school: A foundation for learning and growth
A safe learning environment for students, teachers, educators, and families can contribute to student success, ensuring students can focus on their education and build healthy connections with peers, teachers, counselors, and administrators. However, threats like the following can undermine their sense of security:
- Bullying
- Violence
- Harassment
- Discrimination
- The presence of weapons or substances
Whether they are in elementary school, middle school, or high school, students can be at risk of safety concerns.
A 2021 systematic review of 43 studies found that nearly 20% of students felt unsafe at school, with some studies reporting rates as high as 69.1%. This sense of insecurity was linked to mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. These findings can underscore the critical role of school safety in shaping positive outcomes for students.
The impact of safety on student mental health
Psychological and physical safety are usually seen as foundational to well-being, particularly when it comes to child development. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs places the need for safety directly after physiological necessities like food and water. Without safety, higher-level functions like learning and social connection cannot be fully achieved, and mental and emotional health may deteriorate.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated a strong connection between perceptions of safety at school and mental health difficulties, as in the 2021 systematic review cited previously. Additional research suggests that non-heterosexual and racial minority students report feeling less safe at school, and experiences like bullying and forced sexual encounters can contribute to individuals feeling less safe as well. The same study notes that inclusive environments, trauma-informed practices, and anti-bullying initiatives can promote a sense of safety at school and improve mental health.
How school safety affects student achievement
Perceptions of school safety can also affect academic success. A 2020 article noted that when students feel unsafe in the classroom, they tend to have lower test scores.A sense of security is often necessary to thrive, and focusing on learning can be challenging in an environment where a student feels unsafe.
one or more self care & clinical tools
Risk factors for school violence
To foster a safe environment for students, understanding the risk factors that may make a child more likely to engage in violence can be helpful. The following characteristics are common among those who commit violence at school, which could include bullying, gang activity, or school shootings:
- Adverse childhood experiences (e.g., child maltreatment, mental illness of a household member, parental divorce or separation)
- Lack of parental supervision or involvement
- Exposure to violence
- Positive perceptions of violence
- Patterns of aggression or frustration
- Academic failure
- Availability of substances or firearms at home
- Negative peer influences
- Social isolation or bullying
Teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders within the school and community can make themselves aware of these risk factors and take appropriate steps to identify at-risk students. With proper support and preventative measures, preventing school violence and ensuring positive outcomes for all students may be possible.
How teachers and school leaders can help create a safe learning environment
Creating a safe learning environment typically requires the active involvement of teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, and other school community members. Together, all can foster a culture of trust, respect, and inclusion. Below are tips for promoting an environment where students feel safe and supported.
Foster an inclusive, safe, and respectful school climate
Teachers and school leaders can help create a positive school climate by promoting inclusivity and respect. This process may include encouraging open discussions, celebrating diversity, and addressing problematic behavior promptly. In addition, teachers and administrators can help forge positive relationships by recognizing and rewarding demonstrations of kindness, student achievement, and respectful interactions among peers.
Implement and enforce anti-bullying policies
Clear anti-bullying policies that are regularly enforced may ensure student safety. Teachers and administrators can collaborate to ensure consistent implementation and establish open lines of communication to ensure that instances of bullying are appropriately addressed. Additionally, students can be informed of reporting procedures, support resources, and potential consequences for bullying behaviors.
Promote collaboration between teachers, parents, and the community
Strong partnerships between teachers, parents, and the broader community may support students' safety and success. Regular communication through parent portals and parent-teacher meetings can facilitate parental cooperation. In addition, close communication with social workers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders within the community can ensure that students receive the resources they need.
Monitor and address school safety concerns proactively
Proactive monitoring of safety concerns may prevent specific issues before they escalate. For example, regular safety audits, anonymous reporting systems, and open communication channels can enable schools to promptly identify and address potential risks. Teachers and administrators can work together to develop and update action plans that prioritize student safety.
Create readily available mental health support systems for students
Teachers and administrators can help students find mental health resources like on-site counseling, peer support programs, and referrals to external services. Staff may also periodically stress the importance of mental health and self-care.
The roles of parents, caregivers, and students
Parents, caregivers, and students can all play roles in school safety. For instance, parents and caregivers can actively support school safety initiatives and suggest additional strategies (if needed) by joining the PTA or otherwise communicating with administrators. They can also encourage awareness and communication about safety topics at home.
Meanwhile, students can do their part by reporting any concerns or suspicious activity they notice to teachers or other members of the school community. Participating in student safety programs, treating others with respect, engaging in anti-bullying strategies, and promoting the inclusion of all students can also contribute to safety at school.
Mental health support for parents and students
Students may experience mental and emotional challenges when navigating their social and academic responsibilities. If your child is struggling to cope, connecting them with a mental health professional can help them feel safe at school, as well as at home. Evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are well-supported for treating a wide range of adolescent mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.
Tends to be as effective whether delivered in person or online. Through an online platform like BetterHelp for adults or Teen Counseling for teens aged 13 to 19, clients can attend weekly virtual sessions with a licensed mental health professional, plus benefit from a suite of tools designed to help them get the most out of therapy, like guided journaling, digital CBT worksheets, and more. Online therapy tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy and may be preferable for teens with busy schedules or who prefer to attend sessions from the comfort of home.
Therapy that fits your life
Flexible, accessible, and built around you
- ✓Transparent pricingNo hidden fees, know what you’ll pay upfront
- ✓Fast matchingYou can get matched in as little as 48 hours
- ✓In-App SchedulingMessage, chat, or schedule live video
- ✓Easy to switchChange therapists anytime until you find the right fit
- ✓Tailored supportCredentialed professionals with diverse specialties
Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Takeaway
Feeling safe at school is often fundamental to students’ academic success and well-being. A safe environment that fosters physical and emotional growth can support learning, build trust, and improve mental health. Schools can create spaces where students are valued and protected by addressing risk factors, promoting inclusivity, and implementing proactive measures. For students struggling with mental health, therapy with a provider online or in their area may be helpful.
How does school safety affect teachers' ability to teach effectively?
When teachers perceive that their classrooms and schools are safe, they can focus more on delivering high-quality instruction rather than managing safety concerns. A secure environment often fosters trust and reduces disruptions, allowing teachers to build stronger relationships with students and engage them more effectively. Conversely, unsafe conditions can lead to stress and burnout among teachers, ultimately impacting their ability to create a productive learning atmosphere.
Can safety measures negatively impact the learning environment?
While safety measures are essential, certain approaches can may negatively affect students’ perception of safety. For example, excessive use of metal detectors or surveillance cameras can make students more aware of security threats and lead them to believe they are being monitored or distrusted. Strict disciplinary policies may also discourage students from expressing themselves openly. Teachers and administrators can take care to balance effective safety measures with strategies that promote trust.
What does it mean to feel safe at school?
Feeling safe at school can involve a combination of physical and emotional safety, as well as a sense of belonging among the students and school staff. Promoting safety generally requires implementing various safety procedures and cultivating an environment where everyone knows they are welcome and feels empowered to get involved in the community.
What is the right to feel safe at school?
The right to feel safe at school usually refers to physical safety, but it can also involve a sense of emotional safety. A school should be a safe space for those of diverse backgrounds to come together and learn.
What makes a student feel safe?
Students typically feel safe when they know their physical health is protected from events like school shootings, as well as when they have friends and staff members, such as school counselors, to turn to when they need support. When a staff member conducts regular check-ins, this can be a unique opportunity to reinforce students’ emotional safety. This may be especially true in cases where students have experienced trauma in the past or tend to worry frequently.
How can parents support school safety initiatives?
Parents may support school safety initiatives by:
- Asking their children about safety at school and any gaps in safety they may be aware of
- Ensuring there are clear pathways for reporting safety concerns at their child’s school
- Learning about the school’s emergency preparedness policies
- Communicating with the school community about safety strategies and concerns
- Following any existing rules or policies related to safety
How can students contribute to a safe school environment?
Students can contribute to a safe school environment by reporting any safety concerns, treating others with kindness and respect, and engaging in bullying prevention measures. Following safety-related rules and procedures can also contribute to school safety.
Why is school safety important for mental health?
School safety can be important for mental health because children may not be able to relax, learn, and grow when they are concerned for their physical or mental well-being. Symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders may arise when students do not feel safe.
What role does the school community play in student safety?
The school community typically plays a crucial role in student safety. A welcoming, inclusive environment can make a significant difference in a child’s sense of safety.
How does feeling safe at school impact academic performance?
According to a 2016 research article, “Feeling safe is a prerequisite for productive learning.” The article reported that there appeared to be a consistent negative relationship between feeling unsafe in the classroom and test scores, based on data from over 340,000 students.
- Previous Article
- Next Article