The Safety Scroll: Redefining School Safety, Beyond the Gates

The concept of school safety is continually expanding, moving beyond a narrow focus on preventing violence to encompass the emotional, social, and environmental well-being of every student. Recent research highlights key areas for educators and anyone involved in child safety, underscoring the need for holistic and inclusive approaches.

Delinquency and Perceptions of Safety in Charter Schools

The aftermath of events like the Columbine tragedy brought school safety to the forefront, intertwining it with discussions of delinquency [1]. A study examining charter school administrators' perceptions of delinquency and school safety suggests that understanding these viewpoints is crucial for effective safety strategies. While specific findings from this study are yet to be fully detailed, the emphasis on administrator perceptions highlights the importance of leadership in shaping a safe school environment. Broader research on charter schools and safety indicates that they often report fewer incidents of crime and violence, with higher perceptions of safety among students, parents, and staff. This may be linked to factors like smaller school size, higher parent involvement, and less reliance on exclusionary disciplinary practices [8].

Classroom Safety in Rural Experiential Learning

Safety challenges aren't limited to traditional classrooms. A qualitative assessment of classroom safety issues faced by rural secondary experiential instructors in Iowa identified several concerns. These include overcrowding and workspace design, the adequacy of safety training for instructors, the condition of machinery and facilities, the methodology for student safety training, and issues with personal protective equipment (PPE) use and policy [9]. This research underscores the unique safety considerations in hands-on, experiential learning environments, particularly in rural settings, and the need for tailored safety protocols and training.

Fostering Inclusivity: A Cornerstone of Safety for Transgender Pupils

A truly safe school is one where all students feel accepted and respected. Research from Sweden focuses on the critical need for inclusive language practices, specifically addressing challenges related to pronoun choice for transgender pupils [10]. Studies suggest that interventions promoting inclusive language improve school safety, reduce bullying, and enhance the overall well-being of transgender students [11]. While many educators recognize the importance of using identified pronouns, resistance within the teaching profession and obstacles from school culture and administrative frameworks can hinder these efforts. This highlights the importance of comprehensive policies and ongoing professional development to create genuinely inclusive and safe spaces for all students.

Strategic Management for Educational Development

The broader context of educational development also impacts safety. Research on the strategic management of change for institutions like Dambai College of Education (a teacher training college transitioning into a College of Education) highlights the importance of effective governance, continuous professional development for staff, and enhanced physical infrastructure [12, 13]. While not directly about student safety, these elements contribute to a well-managed and resourced institution that can better prioritize and implement safety measures.

The Interconnectedness of Safety and Well-being

Ultimately, these studies reinforce the idea that school safety is not merely about physical security, but a complex interplay of factors that contribute to a student's sense of belonging, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. From addressing unique safety challenges in specialized learning environments to fostering inclusive cultures and providing comprehensive support, a holistic approach is essential for creating schools where every child can thrive.

Citations:

[1] Velez, J. (n.d.). The Perceptions of Charter School Administrators and Leadership Personnel on Delinquency.

[2] Temple, J. F. (2025). A qualitative assessment of classroom safety issues experienced by rural secondary experiential instructors in Iowa.

[3] Milles, K. (2025). Fostering inclusivity in education: Addressing challenges for trans pupils’ pronoun choice in Swedish schools. Nordic Journal of Socio-Onomastics.

[4] Awusi, B., & Erebakyere, A. J. (2025). Strategic Management of Change for Development of Dambai College of Education. European Journal of Educational Management.

[5] Gilchrist, C., Falodun, J., Rathee, N., Carlson, P. (n.d.). FRONT FLYLEAF.

[6] Feijo et al. (2022). [Cited in Milles, K. (2025). Fostering inclusivity in education: Addressing challenges for trans pupils’ pronoun choice in Swedish schools.]

[7] Awusi, B., & Erebakyere, A. J. (2025). Strategic management of change for development of Dambai College of Education. European Journal of Educational Management, 8(06), 75-90.

[8] Hamlin, D., & Li, A. (2020). Factors Mediating School Safety in Charter Schools: An Analysis of Five Waves of Nationally Representative Data. Journal of School Choice, 14(3), 391-413.

[9] Temple, J. F. (2025). A qualitative assessment of classroom safety issues experienced by rural secondary experiential instructors in Iowa. Iowa State University.

[10] Milles, K. (2025). Fostering inclusivity in education: Addressing challenges for trans pupils’ pronoun choice in Swedish schools. Nordic Journal of Socio-Onomastics.

[11] Feijo, K., et al. (2022). [Cited in Milles, K. (2025). Fostering inclusivity in education: Addressing challenges for trans pupils’ pronoun choice in Swedish schools.]

[12] Awusi, B., & Erebakyere, A. J. (2025). Strategic Management of Change for Development of Dambai College of Education. European Journal of Educational Management, 8(06), 75-90.

[13] Awusi, B., & Erebakyere, A. J. (2025). Strategic Management of Change for Development of Dambai College of Education. European Journal of Educational Management, 8(06), 75-90.