Does Your Child Feel Safe At School?
- Travis Uresk
- Sep 8
- 15 min read
| Posted by Travis Uresk | September 8th, 2025 |
Safety is fundamental to a student’s ability to learn and thrive at school. However, students may face a wide range of threats to their safety and well-being, including bullying, violence, and discrimination, which can undermine their sense of security.
A safe learning environment for students and teachers can lead to student success, ensuring students can focus on their education and build healthy connections with peers, teachers, counselors, and administrators. However, threats like bullying, violence, harassment, discrimination, or the presence of weapons or substances can undermine their sense of security. No matter whether in elementary school, middle school, or high school, students can be at risk of safety concerns.
It's hard to feel safe inside a classroom when you have teacher like the one in Texas who encouraged two of her students to fight telling them, "I don't want this on record," as you will see in the video below.
A 2021 systematic review of 43 studies found that nearly 20% of students felt unsafe at school, with some studies reporting rates as high as 69.1%. This sense of insecurity was linked to mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. In contrast, a 2015 review revealed that students who feel safe and supported at school tend to perform better academically, exhibit positive social behaviors, and maintain better mental health. Together, these findings underscore the critical role of school safety in shaping positive outcomes for students.
Psychological and physical safety are foundational to well-being, particularly regarding child development. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs places the need for safety above physiological necessities like food and water. Without safety, higher-level functions like learning and social connection cannot be fully achieved, and mental and emotional health may deteriorate.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated a strong connection between perceptions of safety at school, home, and mental health difficulties like depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation and behavior, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as emotional problems and interpersonal issues.
A 2014 study of more than 11,000 secondary school students found that feeling unsafe in school correlated significantly with mental health problems such as these — students who reported feeling “very often unsafe” were eight times more likely to experience mental health challenges compared to those who felt safe.
How school safety affects student achievement
Perceptions of school safety can also affect academic success. A 2015 literature review exploring the relationship between school safety and student achievement found that a safe school environment was a “significant antecedent” for achieving students’ social, academic, and emotional needs.
A sense of security is often necessary for thriving: focusing on learning can be challenging in an environment where a student feels unsafe, and research supports this idea. For example, in a 2010 study of 485 junior high school pupils, those who experienced high levels of fear about future social exclusion or bullying reported difficulties concentrating in class.
Another study that examined the relationship between school safety and academic achievement found that students in safer schools scored significantly higher on grade eight reading and mathematics tests. Using data from 46 schools in one state, the study revealed that lower levels of school violence and fewer disciplinary infractions created better learning environments, enhancing student performance.
Risk factors for school violence
To foster a safe environment for students, understanding the risk factors that may make a child more likely to engage in violence can be helpful. The following characteristics are common among those who commit violence at school, which could include bullying, gang activity, or school shootings:
Adverse childhood experiences (e.g., child maltreatment, mental illness of a household member, divorce or separation of a parent)
Lack of parental supervision or involvement
Exposure to violence
Positive perceptions of violence
Patterns of aggression or frustration
Academic failure
Availability of drugs or firearms at home
Negative peer influences
Social isolation or bullying
Teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders within the school or community can make themselves aware of these risk factors and take appropriate steps to identify at-risk students. With proper support and preventative measures, preventing school violence and ensuring positive outcomes for all students may be more accessible.
How teachers and school leaders can help create a safe learning environment
Creating a safe learning environment requires the active involvement of teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, and other school community members. Together, all can foster a culture of trust, respect, and inclusion. Below are tips for promoting an environment where students feel safe and supported.
Foster an inclusive and respectful school climate
Teachers and school leaders can help create a positive school climate by promoting inclusivity and respect. This process may include encouraging open discussions, celebrating diversity, and addressing problematic behavior promptly. In addition, teachers and administrators can help forge positive relationships by recognizing and rewarding demonstrations of kindness, student achievement, and respectful interactions among peers.
Implement and enforce anti-bullying policies
Clear anti-bullying policies that are regularly enforced may ensure student safety. Teachers and administrators can collaborate to ensure consistent implementation and establish open lines of communication to ensure that instances of bullying are appropriately addressed.
Additionally, students can be informed of reporting procedures, support resources, and potential consequences for bullying behaviors.
Promote collaboration between teachers, parents, and the community.
Strong partnerships between teachers, parents, and the broader community may support students' safety and success. Regular communication through parent portals and parent-teacher meetings can help facilitate parental cooperation. In addition, close communication with social workers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders within the community can ensure that students receive the resources they need.
Monitor and address school safety concerns proactively.
Proactive monitoring of safety concerns may prevent specific issues before they escalate. For example, regular safety audits, anonymous reporting systems, and open communication channels enable schools to identify and address potential risks promptly. Teachers and administrators can work together to develop and update action plans that prioritize student safety.
Create accessible mental health support systems for students
Teachers and administrators can help students receive access to mental health resources like on-site counseling, peer support programs, and referrals to external services. Staff may also periodically stress the importance of mental health and self-care and check in regularly with students to ensure they know how to access support.
The mental health crisis in schools
The mental health crisis in schools is characterized by rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among students, with many not receiving the necessary support. Schools play a crucial role in addressing these issues by providing mental health services and fostering supportive environments for students.
The mental health crisis among students has reached alarming levels, significantly impacting their well-being and academic performance. Recent data indicate that 42% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a 57% increase over the past decade. This crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified existing mental health challenges.
Several factors contribute to the rising mental health issues in schools:
Academic Pressure: Many students feel significant pressure to succeed academically, leading to stress and anxiety.
Social Media: Increased screen time and cyberbullying have been linked to mental health challenges.
Trauma and Adverse Experiences: Exposure to violence, family instability, and societal issues like gun violence and climate anxiety add to students' stress.
In 2023, 40% of all students, and 53% of girls, experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Nearly 1 in 5 students reported being bullied at school, while 13% missed school because of safety concerns.
There are limited resources and high demand for services, and that’s a challenge many urban school districts are faced with. There’s also a great diversity of psychological challenges. One big challenge is identifying mental health issues early. We're reliant mainly on teacher observations and on our students' self-reporting. But we don't have robust ways to identify problems early, which compounds the challenge. There might have been interventions or solutions that could have helped if we had been able to start them earlier.
One of the challenges is related to the lack of personnel to meet the demand. Although school psychologists (if the school has one) are trained to provide mental health services, they're often relegated to roles related to special education qualification and compliance.
School psychologists are prepared to screen students to identify mental health issues early, for example. But because there’s such a shortage of school psychologists, and the demand is so high for mental health services, we just can’t keep up.
Some critics say schools aren’t doing enough.
The bottom line for a school system is teaching and learning. From the superintendent to the classroom, we're all teachers. Yet we also must deal with food insecurity, digital insecurity, housing insecurity, and safety insecurity—all of these are important things. Mental health gets caught up in the mix of all those necessary, but unfunded, mandates.
The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with increasing academic pressures and social media influences, have contributed to a surge in mental health issues among students of all ages.
Schools across the United States are implementing innovative programs to address student well-being. Many districts have increased funding for school counselors and psychologists, recognizing the need for more robust mental health support systems within educational institutions.
Some schools are dedicating time each day for activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, and discussions about emotions and stress management. Early results show promising improvements in student focus, stress reduction, and overall emotional regulation.
Technology is also playing a crucial role in addressing student mental health. Many schools have adopted digital platforms that allow students to anonymously seek help or report concerns about their peers. These systems have proven effective in early intervention and prevention of more serious mental health crises.
Another significant development is the growing emphasis on teacher training in mental health awareness and support. Educators are learning to recognize signs of mental distress in students and how to provide initial support before referring to professional help.
However, challenges persist. Some critics argue that schools are overstepping their boundaries by taking on mental health roles traditionally left to healthcare professionals. There are also concerns about the potential for overdiagnosis and the stigmatization of normal adolescent behaviors.
Mental health support for students
Students may experience mental and emotional challenges when navigating their social and academic responsibilities. If your child is struggling to cope, connecting them with a mental health professional can help them feel safe at school, as well as at home. Evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are well-supported for treating a wide range of adolescent mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
CBT is known to be as effective whether delivered in person or online. Through online platforms like BetterHelp for adults or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19, clients can attend weekly virtual sessions with a licensed mental health professional, and also benefit from a suite of tools designed to help them maximize the benefits of therapy, including guided journaling, digital CBT worksheets, and more. Online therapy tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy and may be preferable for teens with busy schedules or who prefer to attend from the comfort of home.
Do you as a student, or do your children feel safe at school?
Yes
No
2 children killed, 17 injured in shooting during Mass at Minneapolis Catholic school
By: Scripps News Group
Posted 8:26 a.m., August 27, 2025, and last updated 8:31 p.m., August 27, 2025
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others injured Wednesday when a gunman opened fire during an all-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, police said.
"They were sitting in the pews at Mass when they were shot and killed," Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said.
The injured include 14 children between the ages of 6 and 15 and three adults in their 80s. At least eight of the injured children, as well as two of the injured adults, were being treated at the nearby Hennepin Healthcare trauma hospital Wednesday.
Officials said those injured are expected to recover.
Authorities said the gunman shot dozens of rounds from outside the church, targeting children and worshipers.
"This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping," O'Hara said. "The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible."
Local police identified the shooter as Robin Westman and said the gunman acted alone before taking their own life. Westman was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun, according to police. Officials say all of the firearms used in the incident were recently purchased legally.
The FBI said it is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism.
Officials have not yet discussed a motive.
A vigil for victims of the shooting began later on Wednesday at the nearby Holy Angels Academy.
Annunciation Catholic School serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. More than 300 students are enrolled, some as young as 3 years old.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was visibly upset when addressing the media, saying the amount of pain families are suffering right now is "extraordinary."
"Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying," he said. "It was the first week of school. They were in a church. These are kids that should be learning with their friends. They should be playing on the playground. They should be able to go to school or church in peace without the fear or risk of violence and their parents should have the same kind of assurance."
President Donald Trump said he has been briefed on the shooting. He has also spoken to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
"The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!" President Trump said on Truth Social.
READ MORE | Police release redacted details: What we know about the Minneapolis Catholic school shooter
Highland High students stage rally as part of nationwide effort to end school gun violence
By Jason Swensen, Deseret News | Posted - September 6, 2025
SALT LAKE CITY — On a typical early Friday afternoon, Highland High School senior Carmen LeCluyse would still be in class — wrapping up her academic week and maybe thinking about some weekend R&R.
But for LeCluyse and scores of her Highland classmates — along with legions of youth across the nation — these are not typical days.
Last week, two children were killed and several more were injured in a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. In 2025, there have been 44 school shootings in the United States, including 22 on K-12 school grounds, CNN reported.
LeCluyse and approximately 150 other Highland High students staged a walkout on Friday to call for increased gun safety at schools.
After gathering outside the school entrance, the teen activists marched to neighboring Sugar House Park to stage their rally. More than a dozen students seized opportunities to climb atop a park bench and, with bullhorn in hand, demand increased protection from gun violence in their schools.
Several others carried signs reading: "We deserve more than thoughts & prayers," "Will I be next?" and "Stop gun violence."
Friday's Highland High student rally was one of many student walkouts happening simultaneously across the country as part of a nationwide effort organized by the gun violence prevention movement Students Demand Action.
Friday's actions were prompted, in part, by last week's Minnesota school shooting.
The attention-grabbing school walkouts are vital because gun violence in schools affects "literally everyone," said LeCluyse, who helped organize the Highland High rally.
"I don't know a single person who hasn't been in a lockdown during their life," she told the Deseret News while leading the student march to the park.
"It's something that affects every aspect of our daily lives. And I think following the school shooting last week, it's just really important to tell people that we've had enough of this.
"This isn't the future that we want to grow up in. We deserve better."
LeCluyse added she learned about the nationwide Students Demand Action effort just a few days ago. So organizing Friday's rally "has been hectic" — spreading the Word via Word of mouth and social media and posting flyers.
"So it's great to see these people here — especially with how quickly we put it all together."
While school shootings such as the recent one in Minnesota often leave people flummoxed as they search for solutions, LeCluyse countered that other countries have more aggressively regulated access to firearms, particularly assault-style weapons.
"I think we see those solutions in other countries … but do we actually have the commitment to put them in place here and protect our kids?"
After congregating on the north end of Sugar House Park, a long line of student protesters took turns standing atop a park bench, issuing their own personal calls to action.
"We need more mental health (resources) in our schools, but we're being ignored," said one student. "We need to use our voices and stand up for what is right. We do not deserve to die in a place where we're supposed to be protected."
Said another female student: "We should not be threatened with death every day in school."
"Every day I worry that I will go to school and not come back," added another teen. "I worry that I'm not going to see my friends again. I should be stressed about tests — so why do I have to worry about dying?"
A young man spoke of recent policies in Wyoming loosening gun regulations on school grounds.
"Politicians," he said, "are not doing anything to stop this."
Highland High senior Macie Robbins said she joined Friday's walkout out of concern for her younger friends and relatives who will be attending school for several more years.
"They don't deserve to have to fear going to class."
The threat of school gun violence has been Robbins' reality throughout her K-12 school years. "Even when I was in kindergarten, we were doing drills on active shooters entering the school," she said.
"Even though they were drills, we were still taught, at a young age, that we need to hide in cubbies or hide under our desks or hide in corners and lock all the doors in the schools."
Robbins added she hopes more can be done to acknowledge and address mental health issues, especially for young people — even while lessening access to firearms.
Nationwide school walkouts
The Highland High School rally was one of more than 250 coordinated school walkouts Friday across the country, according to Students Demand Action.
"We shouldn't have to stage national protests just to be heard, but that's exactly what we did — more than 250 times over — across the country today," said Timberlyn Mazeikis, a gun violence survivor from the school shooting at Michigan State University in 2023 and Students Demand Action volunteer from Minnesota.
"Thoughts and prayers won't save us. Our generation deserves to grow up and live without the fear of bullets flying through our hallways. We're demanding state and federal lawmakers ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines now."
Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, said Friday's walkouts across the country are youth exercises in courage.
"Students are walking out of their classrooms and into history, demanding the action that will save lives," said Ferrell-Zabala in a Students Demand Action report.
"Lawmakers should take note: These students will not be ignored, and they will not stop until assault weapons are banned and our schools are safe."
Mike Johnson Says Guns Aren’t the Problem — It’s the ‘Human Heart’ — in Stunning Rebuke of Psaki, Newsom
Story by Zachary Leeman
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) blasted California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Jen Psaki over their dismissal of prayers and calls for gun control in the wake of the Minnesota church shooting that left two children dead.
Johnson joined Fox News’ America Reports on Friday where he insisted that guns are not the issue at hand, but rather the “human heart.”
He argued:
It’s incredible to me that Psaki and Newsom, who attack religion and diminish the faith of Americans in time of tragedies. There are common sense solutions, things done to protect children in schools and churches and to the taking away the constitutional rights of American citizens. This isn’t a time to politicize these issues. We mourn for the families and community that’s affected. I’m sure you guys saw the father’s remarks yesterday for that little boy who was lost, Fletcher Merkel. Such a heart wrenching thing for all of us. At the end of the day the problem is not guns, okay, Jen Psaki? The human heart, mental health.
Psaki earned pushback for saying prayers are “not enough” after the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where an 8-year-old and 10-year-old were shot and killed. Eighteen others were injured.
“Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings,” Psaki wrote. “Prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”
Johnson also blasted Newsom as “ridiculous” for a message similar to Psaki’s. In his X post, Newsom pushed back against “thoughts and prayers” being offered, noting that those targeted were “literally praying” at the time of the tragedy.
“It should enrage conservatives. Gavin Newsom is ridiculous,” Johnson said. “I don’t have words to respond to that. I cannot believe that he’s gone that low to get attention, and that’s what this is about.”
History of School Shootings in the United States
1700s
The earliest known United States shooting to happen on school property was the Pontiac's Rebellion school massacre on July 26, 1764, where four Lenape American Indian entered the schoolhouse near present-day Greencastle, Pennsylvania, shot and killed schoolmaster Enoch Brown, and killed nine or ten children (reports vary). Only two children survived.
6 Reasons Gun Control Will Not Solve Mass Killings
In the wake of the tragic murder of 17 innocent students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students, educators, politicians, and activists are searching for solutions to prevent future school shootings.
It's Not a Gun Problem, It's a Heart Problem
"Yes, guns can be dangerous. And in the wrong hands, the hands of someone who has a nefarious purpose or is careless and fails to respect the power of the firearm, or is mentally ill, they are dangerous.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ethics-everyone/201804/its-not-gun-problem-its-heart-problem
Letter: If people are the problem, not guns, why allow people to have guns?
My wife died recently, suddenly and unexpectedly, and my pain at times seems unbearable. When someone is in such pain, it is easy to understand why reaching for a gun to end the pain could be seen as a quick and acceptable way out. According to the CDC, 54% of gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides. But such pain is sometimes directed outwardly by killing of friends, family or some kind of mass shooting.