School safety, security, and violence prevention resource

According to James McGinty of the Public Agency Training Council, circa 1999, “suicide is a far more common form of violence involving students than school homicide.  In some cases, perpetrators of school shootings felt (hoped?) their actions would lead to their being killed by police, which also could be considered a form of suicide—“

 

What exactly are the statistics relative to suicides and suicidal ideation, I have little clue.  Fact is, though, for over 8 years I worked part-time for Lehigh County (Pa) Crisis Intervention, and by that yardstick I can tell you ideation is a huge problem.

 

In too many cases, if the student is thinking it, soon he or she will be doing it!

 

It is natural, then, for me to suggest that, if and when schools come up with appropriate in and out-service training programs for their teachers that they consider developing a plan that specifies how to identify students at risk, how to handle threats (of suicide), and what actions to take in the case of suicidal threats, plus, what actions to take in the event of a suicide.

 

Schools must ensure that students have, and are aware of, simple and easy ways to get help, such as access to suicide hotlines, counselors, et al.

 

McGinty goes on to suggest that students, parents, guardians, teachers, and other school personnel be educated on how to identify and get help for troubled students before they actuate their suicidal ideation.

 

Mayhap another issue schools might address is how to encourage teachers, students, parents/guardians to report their fears and concerns about their children and the kids of others.  My research relative to Workplace Violence would indicate that over 85% of violence on or near the job site could have been prevented, if reported.

 

Until my next post, please—

Stay Safe.

Hammer

 

 

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