How to Protect Your Child from College Campus Crime

Member

By derfcarmen
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (1 Ratings)

College Safety Prevention is Important.

Crimes among young adults on college campuses and college towns are alarmingly high and on the rise. The parents are often unaware of the epidemic and issue because more often than not, campus crime and crimes against female students are often underreported, if reported at all by campus officials. Here is what parents and guardians need to know.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

phone
computer
willingness to ask the right questions
willingness to be unconventional when it comes to the safety of your college bound child.

Step 1

College crime against students is a very real issue today. Since the early 70's crime against students has been increasing dramatically. Today it is the unheard epidemic that has gotten recent attention with legislation changes compelling colleges to accurately report crime statistics. Enforcement of this is difficult and campus officials are reluctant to report the truth about crime on campus because it means bad public relations and advertisement. This means less business and less income. Basically, it is bad business, and parents walking along the campus tour shopping for a college with their son or daughter know little of this. Buyers Beware!
Step 2

A recent report by over half the nations state attorneys found college crime reporting "is inconsistent and inaccurate and does not promote true accountability on the part of schools and colleges in terms of dealing with public safety issues." What is the # 1 crime today? Burglary. To assist your child with burglary prevention following the following tips in step three below.
Step 3

Make an inventory of everything of value your son or daughter will have in the college campus community. This includes make, model, serial number, etc. If possible try to have items engraved. Take pictures an put in a file in a secure location. Inquire about any student insurance policies or see if your insurance carrier can cover these items with your policy. Also, make sure your child and you meet with campus safety to see if they have any programs and policies that can aid in theft prevention. Make sure your child has proper locks and sets of keys and always keeps valuables out of plain view and in a secure location.
Step 4

Assault is a very real problem as well, especially for female college students. Make sure your daughter attends a college safety assault prevention program. Inquire in your community to see if any programs are available for your daughter in your hometown before she leaves for campus. If possible, make sure your daughter has an established network of trustworthy friends (room mates, etc.). Have them all practice a policy of the "buddy system". Here are some other tips for your daughter in college:

-park car in well lighted area and always make an effort to have an escort
-never leave a beverage unattended
-avoid frat parties and events where there is drunkenness
-keep in constant contact with relatives and friends as a routine
-never travel alone or leave a party or bar with a trusted friend or group. Lock you doors and windows before you go to bed, etc.,
Step 5

It is important that you and your college bound son and daughter are aware of these issues and take precautions to better protect oneself against college campus crime. Parents, always keep in touch with your child and instill in them good common sense. Help them find the right resources and information, get them in touch with campus safety programs, protect their property with an inventory, locks, keys, and possible property insurance, etc. Prevention and common sense are key for a safe college campus experience.

Comments

cynthiantristan said

Flag This Comment

on 9/30/2009 I never knew about college life, about anything beyond my home and public school until I actually got there. It was common sense on others but not to me, I wish my Aunt would've warned me beforehand, but she never knew herself. Great article and thanks for caring about the college students.