What Security Challenges Do Educational Establishments Face?
Blog: What Security Challenges Do Educational Establishments Face? Published: 12/04/2022
What Security Challenges Do Educational Establishments Face?
Security in education is a complex issue, with priority often given to physical security systems that aim to prevent intruders from accessing school premises, such as fences, gates, access controls, and CCTV. In the aftermath of the Dunblane tragedy in 1996, considerable money was poured into ramping up school security. Today, schools are considerably less open than three decades ago and students have become accustomed to the strict security protocols that are as much part of the educational landscape as whiteboards and tablet computers.
However, security in educational establishments is constantly evolving. School buildings may be more secure, but new threats, often from within, have emerged. So, what are the security challenges that schools and colleges now face and how can modern technology counter them?
Bullying
Bullying in education has always been a problem but, in previous years, may have been swept under the carpet more readily. Today, however, school leaders are more aware of the issue, with anti-bullying campaigns and policies in force in most schools, although uncertainty over how to police the growth in digital technology has hastened a rise in cyberbullying.
It’s not just pupils who are at risk. According to research, one in four teachers experience violence from students each week and, while serious trauma is rare, it’s not unknown. Bullying is unlikely to be eradicated completely, so when violence occurs, it’s vital that teachers and support staff have the tools to respond quickly, ensuring that help is sought to bring an incident to a safe conclusion.
Theft
Few schools have on-site security personnel who can monitor students’ behaviour in person or via CCTV. Therefore, the opportunity for theft in schools is high, either of pupils’ possessions or expensive educational equipment, such as tablet computers.
Incidences of theft not only cost money, but also erode students’ feelings of safety in the classroom. When young people feel unsafe, their learning inevitably suffers, and they may even be discouraged from attending school. Therefore, engaging with students and teaching them about the negative effects of theft – and effective ways to protect their possessions – can help to secure a learning culture that is more respectful and less intimidating.
Sexual harassment
How to prevent sexual harassment in schools is a prominent theme in today’s education system. A recent report by Ofsted highlighted the prevalence of sexually inappropriate behaviour, with students reporting that harassment, assault, and other behaviour is such a routine part of their life that many see little benefit in reporting it.
While education is key to changing attitudes, it will take time to create a more respectful culture, especially while sexual harassment continues to persist outside schools and colleges. In the meantime, the installation of CCTV cameras could help improve students’ sense of safety and wellbeing and discourage perpetrators from inappropriate behaviour.
Drugs
Immediate action to stem the tide of illegal drugs in schools, colleges, and universities is necessary to improve the welfare of students. Apart from education and robust sanctions, technology has a role to play in making the nation’s schools drug-free, with CCTV, radio systems, and body-worn cameras effective deterrents to the problem.
Contact DTS Solutions to find out how to reinforce your school’s security
At DTS Solutions, we offer scalable two-way radios, CCTV security solutions, access control and body worn video cameras for the Education sector. This ensures that staff and students at schools, colleges, and universities are safer and promotes effective teaching and learning.
To book a free consultation so we can expertly assess your establishment’s needs, please get in touch today.