The Importance of Communication in School Safety…and How Our Product Can Help

by Bernadette G.

As a direct result of various school shootings — with, perhaps, the best-known shooting in Columbine, Colorado — rising importance is now placed on communication in schools. There are many ways to communicate information or emergency protocols, and it’s vital that you understand how to ensure safety in your school environment.

Increased communications between students and teachers — and other administrators — will show a marked increase in school safety. Why? According to a study by Dr. Scott Poland — Professor at the Center for Psychological Studies and the Co-Director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office at Nova Southeastern University — when students feel safe at school, especially with administration and teachers, they will be more likely to approach the teacher to discuss a potential problem (which could be something as simple as a bullying incident, or something as severe as a potential bomb threat or terrorist act similar to what happened in Columbine).

Furthermore, this increased communication will also allow for quicker response if a shooting or similar attack occurs. The average “active shooting” in a school lasts no more than 12 minutes. As a school administrator, are you aware of how you can communicate with both your fellow administrators and your students in an emergency?

The importance of communication in school safety isn’t just an administrative desire — it’s a parental one. A study conducted by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) suggests that as many as 60 percent of parents want to be made aware of what’s going on with their child in a timely manner, especially in the event of a crisis. Rapid responses will decrease parental — and student — anxiety in a crisis situation.

This is where Sonarcloud comes in: using cloud technology, we provide clear and easy communication between yourself and your fellow administrators, which is ideal for rapid communication should safety be compromised. When using new technology, it’s essential that all operators (in this case, your fellow teachers and administrators) have a strong working knowledge of the technology behind it. We take great pride in offering an easy-to-use, inexpensive product that is suitable regardless of the level of technology proficiency.

Sonarcloud is designed to become part of a well-developed security and communications plan. As the administrator, you must develop and implement a plan that has proper policies and protocols firmly in place so our technology — just like any other — won’t be misused or abused when it matters the most.

For more information about our services and products, contact us today.