High school students are not immune to crime. Those with malicious intent may assume we are easy targets. It’s important to avoid panicking and learn easy ways to stay safe. There are  behavioral adjustments and practical tips that can ensure your safety in the event of an imminent threat to personal safety. Our school principal, Mr. Jones, approaches school safety not only from the perspective of a community leader but also as a father. His daughter currently lives and works in Chicago.

“First and foremost, one of the things I can’t stress enough is that safety is paramount.” Principal Jones commented when asked about safety tactics for high school-aged teenagers. “When it comes to our kids, if nothing else, we need to remember that it is safer to travel in numbers.” Collierville High School prides itself on its safe and diverse learning space, but not everywhere in the surrounding area is as safe.

“Never ever ever sit in your car for long periods of time. If you are, then making sure the doors are locked.” Mr. Jones continued. It’s important to have your keys in hand and ready to go whenever you’re preparing to drive. But if you are sitting in your driver’s seat or even waiting in the passenger’s seat, make sure to have windows up and doors locked. This can prevent someone from yanking the car door open and grabbing you or whoever may be inside.

“You gotta make a scene. Make a scene, start screaming. It is important to know how to use your body as a weapon.” Self-defense is a huge attribute to warding off potential dangers; it’s much harder to move a person’s dead weight. Falling to your knees or wrapping yourself around their legs to prevent the kidnapper from moving is a very useful defense tactic if you aren’t strong enough to fight them on your own. Don’t be afraid to shout, making a scene in a well crowded area is bound to gain some attention and hopefully someone rushing to your aid.

Finally, Mr. Jones had one last piece of advice regarding safety: “I would want to equip my child with something to defend herself. Know your surroundings, think about ways to protect yourself.” He emphasizes how “Evil is always working;  criminals are constantly getting better at what they do.”