12 Technologies To Keep Schools Safe
Although serious violence in elementary, middle and high schools is rare, nearly three-fourths of public schools experienced at least one incident of violence in the 2009–2010 school year, according to a 2016 Rand Corp. study, "The Role of Technology in Improving K–12 Safety."
The following 12 technologies can improve school safety:
- Entry-control equipment — electromagnetic door locks
- Identification — visitor badges, palm scanners
- Video surveillance — cameras, video recording, video motion detection system
- Communication technology — walkie-talkies, phones, radios
- Alarm and protection systems — scream alarms, motion/ sound/heat detectors
- Emergency alerts — automated text messages or emails
- Metal detectors and X-ray machines — handheld and walk-through
- Anonymous tip lines — toll-free hotline, voicemail system, website with anonymous posting
- Tracking systems — smartphone apps, GPS devices
- Maps of school terrain and bus routes — geographic information systems
- Violence prediction technology — data-driven software
- Social media monitoring — automated scans of online content for bullying, threats and evidence of self-harm
