campus safety Archives - Page 2 of 2

Lately, we’ve heard so many reports in the news about college students and the dangers on college campuses: shootings, kidnappings, hazing, abuse and violence. It’s hard to not worry when your child is hundreds or even thousands of miles away on campus. It’s easy for them to get into situations that endanger their lives. And it’s hard not to wish there was some way you could protect them.

Recently, I was introduced to a new product that was developed to put parents at ease: OnCall Defender™. It’s not a tracking device; your kids won’t feel their privacy is compromised. It’s a tool they can use to arm themselves when they feel threatened. According to its creator:

The OnCall Defender™ Panic Alarm is the only 24/7 advanced mobile protection GPS alarm system that is connected to a professionally staffed central monitoring station. This is a serious personal security system that is connected to local law enforcement dispatch through one of the top security monitoring companies in the business. So there is no more waiting for someone to answer your call, or put you on hold in an emergency. In a life or death situation, every second counts; and that’s where this revolutionary mobile protection app could save your life or that of a loved one. OnCall Defender™ was developed by high-level security and alarm technology experts who have long understood the need to bring the highest level of security down to a personal level at an affordable cost.

It’s as easy as downloading a FREE app for the iPhone and following the simple instructions. Your child can input personal information and a photo which is stored for law enforcement reference. If an emergency arises, and the alarm is activated, they will have all the contact and pertinent information readily available along with an exact location of your child.

Imagine if this had been available during the VA Tech shootings; or when that beautiful lacrosse player was brutally and fatally attacked by her ex-boyfriend. In spite of all our warnings, our kids think they are invincible–they walk at night alone, get into cars with people they don’t really know that well, and find themselves in situations where they feel threatened. Having this new tool will not only protect them, but it will give you peace of mind.

I actually downloaded the app myself. It was simple and easy to use. Once I completed the instructions, I was able to test and arm the alarm. It’s loud enough to scare away any attacker and easy enough that it doesn’t require any dialing or fumbling around to activate. The modest monthly fee is well worth the security and protection.

Check it out here: OnCall Defender–and let me know what you think. I always like to share new, helpful products with my parent readers.

Stay safe!

This week, the news stories from the University of Virginia told of the tragic story of Yeardley Love: murdered by an angry ex-boyfriend. In September a Yale graduate student was murdered on campus the day she was scheduled to marry. In August, a University of Tampa student, Ryan McCall, was gunned down on his way home from a friend’s birthday celebration. And in March, NYU student Michael Finney drowned while on spring break.

Parenting on good days can be frightening. You never know when some unexpected event will occur and rock your world. It’s impossible to prepare for every unexpected occurrence, but we can take the time to equip our children with the knowledge and the tools they need to keep themselves from falling into dangerous situations.

Here are my 6 campus safety talking points:

Teach them the warning signs of violent, aggressive behavior. Help them understand that if a friend or boyfriend starts exhibiting violent or possessive tendencies, they need to seek help.
Help them to understand that safety should be a priority. Girls should NEVER walk alone on or off campus, especially at night.
Impress upon them that alcohol often leads to dangerous, aggressive behavior. Sexual assaults, violence and sheer stupidity (driving while drunk) can ruin their lives or lead to fatal consequences.
Talk to them about putting themselves in compromising positions: alone with a guy or girl they don’t know; flirting when they have no intention of pursuing a relationship; participating in illegal activities that could escalate.
Work with them to come up with some safety guidelines BEFORE they leave for college (lock their dorm door at night; call for a campus escort when alone; program emergency numbers in their cellphone; read the school’s emergency plans together).
Let them know that they should never be afraid to ask for help when frightened, threatened, or unsure of their own safety.

We can’t hold our childrens hands their entire lives. But we can be responsible parents and teach them the rules of safety. We did it for them when they were toddlers: look both ways when crossing the street; hold your brother’s hand at the mall;don’t talk to strangers. We should certainly do that for them BEFORE they head off to college.

If you liked this article, you might like:

10 Concepts your teen should learn BEFORE college

Crime on Campus

Parents: Can you handle the truth?

In the news: Violence on college campuses

Helping parents navigate the college maze