Safety On The College Campus
College should be a great time for exploration and learning.
However, more and more it is getting to be a dangerous place to
be and continues to be more so each year. Hazing to late night
parties means more predators are out to possibly do harm to you
when you are not at your best. Just walking to and from college
can be a journey full of danger.
When you or your child are in a hazardous situation or being
attacked, do you or your child panic or follow your instincts
for survival. Is your or their survival instincts always right?
Most people have a tendency to panic as do teachers and parents
when they find out their sons or daughters have been attacked or
a rape attempt has been executed. But, panicking does not help
anyone much less the person having the problem. Planning for
safety does.
By teaching children safety and common sense before they get to
be teens and the precautions of college life and safety before
they go to college may save their life or at the very least keep
them out of harm's way.
One of the most prevalent forms of college abuse in past years
has been hazing in sororities and fraternities.
This practice has always been a part of college life for many
years, but many colleges are trying to reform and stop the
hazing, and it still goes on. Unfortunately many students who
are pledging wake up the next day with more than just a
hangover. Some wake up with severe physical problems or
psychological problems as a result of hazing. Some primary
people in the college group will do anything during the hazing
"process."
The hazing process has many different parts to the process that
include, but are not limited to:
Binge drinking
Paddling
Spitting
Forcing participants to overeat
Beating
Mental or physical intimidation
Hazing activities and/or processes are extremely hard to
minimize or categorize. It's the only way for some students to
get into the particular fraternity or sorority that they want.
However, the student?s best defense is to know how to handle
situations before they arise.
This is where parental education comes in, particularly parents
who have been "through the process" when they went to college
and do not want their children to have to do it. Teaching their
children their rights and how to handle the situation that may
go beyond the limits of what they want to do may get them out of
a sticky situation. Your child, or you, may want to avoid the
situation altogether and will need to learn how to negotiate
with the hazers. Your child does not need to lose the respect of
his or her peers during the process. Use your good judgment when
you teach your child about college.
Teach your child about safe partying.
Most social activities in college do not simply mean joining the
Glee Club or the Computer Club. Partying is a major part of
collegiate life on weekends and sometimes on the week nights.
Talk to your child about drug and alcohol use and what it will
do to them. You may not be able to stop your child from
experimenting, but you could have an influence on the outcome.
Teaching your children how to have a good time without drugs or
alcohol should be a primary consideration. If you find that they
are partying, don't try to stop them. Rather talk to them about
what safe partying is so they can be safe and still enjoy
college life. Here are some ideas:
* If they are going to host a party, speak to their neighbors so
they will know when it is going to be and how long it should
last.
* Parties do not need alcohol or drugs. When they create their
party theme ask them to create it without the thought of drugs
or alcohol included.
* Follow local fire laws and make sure they are aware of how to
put out simple fires should they occur or call 911.
* Call 911 in the event of an emergency and have a clear access
path to the party area.
A party can be safe and fun if you take the precautions early
and teach your children what to do and how to do it.
There are some dangers in and around the campus and dorms.
Many college students, especially freshmen, live on campus. They
must know what to do in an emergency and be able to call campus
security or other help. They must learn the local resources
available to keep safe. Here are some helpful hints:
* When walking around campus be sure to follow the most well lit
path available.
* Stay in groups; there is safety in numbers.
* If your child is forced to go out alone make sure he or she
tells someone where they are going and when they will be back.
* Take some type of protective device with them.
* Use good judgment when walking or jogging. Wearing headphones
means you will not be able to hear what is going on around you.
* When back in your dorm, always lock the doors and windows
before going to bed for the night.
College life should be one of the most incredible experiences
of a child's life, it was for me. Make sure your child is taught
safety and planning so he or she will enjoy the experience
inside and outside the dorm.