It has become apparent over the past few months that safety around London has not been a priority for middle school students. There have been numerous attempts from teachers and some parents to broadcast this message across the Middle School. Unfortunately, the number of muggings involving middle school students has not decreased even after a safety assembly and reminders.
It is vital that parents and teachers find a more impactful way of explaining the negative implications of a lack of awareness when on the streets of London. Students should be notified every time a mugging occurs in the St. John’s Wood area and whenever an ASL student is affected by a mugging. Teachers should also address the issue in our health classes. The classes should cover how to avoid getting mugged and exactly what to do when faced with this situation in order to remain unharmed.
This is the only way to force students to realize that this issue is prevalent, and not over-protective nagging. A reason that some parents are not really addressing this issue at home with their kids is that they fear it might scare them. Parents need to know that students need to be aware of the dangers in order to avoid them.
If parents and teachers address the issues directly, the students will hopefully take responsibility and fully appreciate how important the issue is. If the parents and teachers do not communicate effectively, the students will not fully develop an understanding of how serious this issue is. If parents and teachers communicate very clearly with students and provide examples that have occurred throughout the year, the students would be able to think, “It could be me.” With this in their mind, they will be attentive while walking to school or going to the high street with friends, for example.
It is up to students to apply the precautions shared by teachers and parents. If you hear a text come in as you walk down the street, are you going to check it? Can the selfie wait until you are inside Starbucks? It is imperative that students take on the responsibility for their safety because as students get older, they will not always be accompanied by an adult who tells them what is right and wrong. Growing up includes learning how to be street safe, and with the freedom of going out (without adult supervision) comes the responsibility of personal safety. Parents and teachers can only share knowledge. It is the student’s job to use their knowedge to stay safe and take it seriously.
London is a safe city, but it is still a city. Keep your phone in your pocket until you are seated or in a calm, safe place. Your laptop must remain in your bag if you are not at school or at home. There is a world outside of your phone. You won’t know if you are being targeted if all your awareness has been lost inside your phone. Don’t make yourself vulnerable by taking your safety for granted.
