College Safety for Students
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in In the news, Leisure on October 10, 2022
While many students have settled into college life this past month, safety remains a top priority. According to research by ADT, 97% of students feel they take account of their safety on and off campus in their daily lives. We have created a list of helpful tips for students and parents to ensure safety while on campus.
Tips for Students
- Be alert.
- Always watch your surroundings, especially when walking on or off campus. Avoid distractions like listening to music that would prohibit these senses.
- Carry a self-defense device.
- Amazon and other websites offer an assortment of safety devices and keychains to make students safer.
- Lock your doors.
- Practice the safety habit of locking doors as soon as you get home. You never know when someone will accidentally or purposefully enter your home.
- Pay attention to safety protocols.
- During orientation, guides will review the protocols to keep students safe, like blue light security or university-specific hotlines.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Walking alone can make someone a vulnerable target. Have a friend, someone from class or a safety officer walk you back to your home.
- Understand the area.
- Make sure to learn about the college’s area, such as places to avoid, safe walking paths, and where to locate help when needed.
Tips for Parents
- Be a supportive parent.
- As a parent, you are your children’s biggest supporter. College is complicated and if they come to you with serious topics, take the time to listen and give advice.
- Check-in.
- Without being overbearing, ensuring your child is safe is essential. This could include seeing that they returned home safely after a late class or making sure they got home from a night out with friends.
- Encourage exploration.
- Once a student understands the area, it is important to encourage exploring what their college town has to offer. They may stumble across a coffee shop, library, or restaurant they wouldn’t have known before.
- Discuss situations before they arise.
- If you haven’t already had discussions on college life, consider addressing them with your child. This can teach situational awareness and what to do if something occurs.
Jay M. Kelly III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
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