Ways to improve safety measures in schools

Murder of a 7-year-old boy in a private school

In the Gurugram branch of Ryan International School, a 7-year-old school boy was found murdered. 

Maybe for the first time in my life, I am literally searching for words, making up my mood to write about child abuse but still, I am not able to, after hearing the above mentioned news. To start with, I would like to name this act as the most shameful thing to have happened in the history of education. I might not be aware of previous incidents similar to this one, but I am deeply disturbed by this one. 

The apex court is going to examine the safety measures in all private schools. So, rather than writing an saddening article with lots of emotions in it, I thought of writing a article on ways to improve safety measures in schools. It seems more sensible. When I was in school, our school used to conduct seminars on safety of children and sometimes, once in a full moon, our teachers used to enlighten us about this growing issue called as - child abuse! According to Google, child abuse is physical maltreatment and sexual molestation of a child. Not only India but many other countries are facing this issue. They are also planning to make stricter laws related to child abuse, and thinking of implementing it. Some of the ways to reduce child abuse in schools are mentioned below: 

1. Availability of CCTV cameras: As a developing country, we should be developing in "real". Having plans of planting CCTV cameras, and not implementing any of it won't give any results. Cameras help a lot in keeping an eye on students, staffs and visitors. It should be made mandatory for schools and colleges because only setting up an anti-ragging cell never helps, proving crime is also a part of the responsibility. 
2.  Counselling: In a school, it necessary to have a group of teachers as mentors who aren't strict but friendly and open with students. They should separately conduct their counselling lectures and talk to each and every student and should openly discuss issues like rape. It also helps in observing a child's behavior. If a kid remains quiet all the time, and does not talk to his friends at all; it is an indication that there's a serious problem. 
3. Correct use of technology and social media: Respected class teachers of each class, can also make a Facebook chat group, or a WhatsApp group for students and parents where they can complaint about the problems they're facing in schools. It may also help in interacting openly with students in a friendly way! 
4. Proper security guards: Security guards must, must be serious about their work, and to ensure their solemnity, school management should give them proper training, provide lectures about the responsibility in their hands, and should time to time remind them about their duty. From an introducer, guard's background and personal life must be asked. 
5. Disaster management: Parents must question the school authorities about their disaster management equipment and techniques. Are school equipped to handle situations during flood or earthquake? 

These are some of the techniques to improve safety and connect with students and I know it is very hard to implement above methods. But it is not impossible. Slowly, one by one, methods should be considered and plans should be made, accordingly. Change takes time but eventually things change. Schools where students go to acquire knowledge, shouldn't be a place where crime happens. I hope schools maintain a level of safety and help children develop in life!    

Thank you for reading,

Amay Saxena!