Special Constable Fred Greene gives the facts about school safety in today’s world.
As I walked into the Prince George RCMP detachment to discuss school safety with Special Constable Fred Greene, I thought back to my school years. Was I safe back then? I think so. I knew to look both ways before I crossed the road, drugs and cigs were bad, and planning a safe ride home was a good thing. Pretty simple, right?
Well, to fall on that old cliché: “Times have changed.”
It seems that each new generation of students has to deal with both the safety concerns of old (like crossing the road safely), and new safety hurdles that previous groups didn’t have to deal with. Technology has changed, social norms have changed, heck – even the climate has changed! Luckily, one thing hasn’t changed: the importance of teaching students about school safety and what they can do to be proactive.
That was why it was so great to sit down with S/Cst. Greene, an RCMP Community Safety Officer with more than 10 years’ experience. As someone who has presented hundreds of personal safety talks to student bodies ranging from elementary schools to universities, he was able to break down the big topics with me.
Here’s the big four, and what he had to say about each:
Pedestrian Safety
“Make eye contact and hand gestures with drivers before crossing street.”
Remember:
- Use marked and signalled crosswalks, not shortcuts.
- Wear light or reflective clothing at night.
- Use sidewalks when provided, and walk facing the traffic if they’re unavailable.
Drug Awareness
“Plan ahead. As you make plans for the party or going out with friends, you need to plan ahead. You need to protect yourself and be smart. Don’t become a victim of someone else’s drug use. Make sure there’s someone you can call day or night, no matter what, if you need them. And, do the same for your friends.”
Remember:
- First time use of street drugs can be fatal.
- Usage and eventual addiction of prescription meds can be an easy way to get hooked on hard street drugs.
- Consider that fentanyl may be found in street or non-prescribed medication.
- Be cognizant that date rape drugs are easily attainable and can be found locally. They’re colourless, odourless, and easily placed in any drink.
Cyberbullying
“No information is truly private in the online world; an online ‘friend’ can forward any information posted on your site in a moment. Every text, conversation, photo, or phone call once sent will be permanent, public and searchable. If you delete a post, it can always be found.”
Remember:
- Cyberbullying can be investigated under the Criminal Code as stalking, harassment, or threats.
- If you receive bullying messages, don’t respond. Print them off and tell someone.
- Anyone can pretend to be anyone, or anything, they want online.
- Any inappropriate photos of someone under 18 years old on a device is considered child pornography.
- Watch out for classified ads and inquiries from out of town or country. Be cautious of anyone asking for payment by Western Union or Crypto-currency.
Street Safety
“Stranger Danger. Don’t go with, take anything, or talk to a stranger. An adult never needs help from a child.”
Remember:
- You are always safer in a group.
- Use the buddy system when walking, attending events, or simply to talk to if you’re having a bad day.
- Stay in well-lit areas at night and don’t use isolated trails.
- Know your location at all times in case you need to reach someone or call 9-1-1.
- Never meet a person from social media for the first time by yourself; meet in a public place with a friend or parent.
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