Technolandy

Day 21 (of SOL 2025) Summer of Learning… Dear Dr  @chrkennedy safetyness

In his annual year end blog, Chris had some good questions… here is question 

21. What makes a school feel safe emotionally, not just physically?

Seeing your/themselves represented in the community and building – knowing that they can take risks and not be admonished for it – whether that is trying out a new name… talking about SOGI… sharing seeing some bullying… 

Or we could go to metal detectors and a stronger police presence to make schools resemble prison systems even closer… 

Okay – some philosophical pieces… 

Supportive Mental Health Resources: Access to counselors, mental health education, and a culture that supports emotional well-being helps prevent crises before they happen.  Not just hoping a need arises on the one day a school counsellor is assigned to be at the school…

Inclusive and Respectful Environment: When schools actively work to prevent bullying, discrimination, and exclusion – when focusing on justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, schools foster a culture where all students feel safe and welcomed.

Clear Procedures and Routines: communicating the “why” as much as the “what to do” around safety drills, visitor check-in protocols, and clear emergency plans help everyone know what to do in uncertain situations. F’r instance – did you know you don’t always evacuate the school building after an earthquake because the outside might be less safe than inside (mud slides et al). Safety shouldn’t mean control; it should mean care.

Strong Relationships and Trust: When students and staff feel connected, respected, and valued, they’re more likely to look out for one another and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Had a student comment that we should do some things all year long rather than focused on just one day… (such as pink shirt day) 

Schools need to be safe places for students to be who they want to be, not who others (parents… media… us…) wish they were… we need to accommodate to their safety needs