School Safety

Abstract

The purpose of our collaborative research is to explore effective strategies to ensure student safety in elementary schools. Student safety includes both physical safety, prevention of physical violence, abuse, or bullying (DPHCS, n.d.); and psychological safety, establishing well-being, belonging in classrooms and support for emotional and mental health. Findings suggest misunderstandings, microaggressions, racism, and physical violence directly undermine feelings of belonging (Cohen, 2021), with a wide range of school violence leaving students vulnerable to a negative learning environment and an adverse impact on growth (NASP, 2023). Elementary teachers should collaborate with principals, school boards, and parents in fostering positive behavioural learning and the continuous support of Bill 13 of the Accepting Schools Act (DPCDSB, 2012). Further research on this topic could enact new safety regulations within schools, with an emphasis on psychological safety and better implementation of physical safety protocols. Our recommendations will support elementary educators as they recognize the ineffectiveness of punitive negative reinforcement, and the importance of necessary precautions and getting involved in protecting the school community.