Safety Lanyards for Schools
Intruders who trespass onto the school grounds may be intending to do harm. School administrators work diligently to keep their buildings safe by recognizing intruders who do not belong there. Some schools adopt school uniforms as a fast and easy way to identify their own students, but having students wear lanyards can be an easier solution.
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Getting Started
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Most schools already have a student ID card system in place. These multipurpose cards serve as identification for student activities and as library cards. They usually have the student's photo and student number embedded in the card. It is relatively easy to punch a hole in the top of the card and thread a cord through to form the lanyard. If there is no such card in existence, it will be necessary to arrange with one of the many companies who produce them to come to the school to photograph all the students and print the cards.
Publicizing the Process
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In order for safety lanyards to be effective, all staff and students must be diligent in wearing theirs at all times, prominently displayed. Put together a campaign to publicize the reasons why the school has chosen to adopt this safety precaution well in advance of the implementation. The topic should be raised at staff meetings, and teachers should be continuing the discussion in their classrooms with their students. Posters announcing when the wearing of the lanyards will start are also helpful. Send letters home to parents to increase support.
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The Advantages
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Schools that can quickly and accurately identify intruders are safer buildings. Once the student body and the staff are consistently wearing the safety lanyards, intruders will be easier to spot. A school that uses safety lanyards sends a message to all constituents that safety is a priority and that they are being proactive in making the school safer. The lanyards will raise awareness that trespassers are not welcome in the building or on the grounds and must be reported immediately.
The Disadvantages
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Wearing a cord around the neck may be considered a choking hazard. In addition, not all staff or students will willingly comply with the new directive to wear the lanyard at all times. Some will forget, and some will be openly defiant. The school administrators may find they are using valuable time to police the wearing of the lanyards. Punishments for those not complying will need to be enforced. This will likely entail additional record-keeping and be a drain on the resources of the office staff who will need to track students who are repeat offenders.
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References
Resources
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