Schoolyard safety is paramount
SCHOOL safety is often a critical obstacle to learning as crime, violence and abuse affect all aspects of our community, and schools are not always free from fear, intimidation or victimisation.
School-based crime prevention is intended to increase the participation of police officers in promoting safe and orderly school environments.
The Department of Basic Education, in partnership with the SAPS, is committed to preventing, managing and responding to incidents of crime and violence in schools.
Prevention and early intervention are the most reliable and cost-effective ways to support schools in consistently delivering teaching and learning in an environment that is physically and socially safe.
Schools are encouraged to establish and maintain a Safe School Committee.
This committee comprises internal stakeholders of the school, for example learners, educators, School Governing Body (SGB) members and school security personnel.
External role players include the SAPS, the Metropolitan Police, local ward councillors, social workers and Community Police Forums (CPFs).
Non-Government Organisations such as Nicro, Khulisa and Sanca can also play a vital role as part of Safe School Committees.
The CPF can play a vital and pivotal role in school safety as the structure is an ideal platform to address violence and crime in the community as it impacts on schools. Another benefit of CPF involvement is encouraging a culture of community ownership.
Drugs in schools
Our children are precious and we want them to have a safe place in which to learn and grow.
Drug-taking among young
people can make school a less safe and healthy place for all learners, whether they use drugs or not.
What do we mean by ‘drugs’?
• A drug is any substance, synthetic or natural, legal or illegal that is administered with the intention to bring about a change in the behaviour, emotions and thoughts of a human being.
• When we talk about drugs in schools we mean:
• Alcohol
• Tobacco (cigarettes)
• Cannabis (dagga)
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Heroin
Cocaine
Ecstasy
Other addictive drugs such as ‘Tik’, ‘Sugars’, etc
Medicines prescribed for someone else
Harmful amounts of medicines easily bought at a chemist or supermarket
Common signs of risk of drug abuse include:
• Mood swings
• Trouble at school
• Concerns about them among their friends
• Unexplained need for money
• Change of friends
Schools and communities have a responsibility to all learners including any who may be at risk from drug use.
They are encouraged to help learners at risk, not ignore them.
What parents can do to keep children safe at school
Some schools have problems, such as bullying and theft, which make them less secure and can make learners and educators feel less safe, and it makes it harder for learners to learn and for teachers to do their jobs.
Children need a safe and comfortable environment to learn to the best of their abilities and means that they have to feel safe in their school and be able to positively interact with their teachers and classmates.
Parents and other adults can help make sure children have a positive school experience by doing the following:
• Talk to your children about their day. Sometimes children won’t tell you right away if they are having problems at school.
• Ask your children if they see anyone bullied, if they are bullied, or if anything else makes them feel uncomfortable. Look for warning signs, such as a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends, or torn clothing.
• Teach children to resolve problems without fighting. Explain that fighting could lead to them getting hurt, hurting someone else, or earning a reputation as a bully. Talk to them about other ways they can work out a problem, such as talking it out, walking away, sticking with friends, or telling a trusted adult.
Keep an eye on your children’s internet use. •
Useful contact numbers for help or support :
Sanca 0861 472 622
Nicro 021 462 0017
Drug dealers can be reported to SAPS Crime Stop
08600 10111