Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

School administrators consider safety a priority for the school’s students and staff. They ensure that students have a safe environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Similarly, teachers must feel safe while at work. That’s because emergencies can happen in schools even during school hours.

Unfortunately, there’s no way one can predict when fires, earthquakes, or intrusions can occur. As such, the best thing school administration officers can do is to implement stringent safety and security measures.

While it’s considered a standard to have security measures up in place in many learning institutions, it’s still worth taking a look at how else you can improve your school’s safety. That said, here are seven security measures you can consider:

Streamline School Access Process

While you want to keep intruders out of the school, you must also ensure authorized individuals can quickly gain access to the premises. This means students, teachers, other school staff, and authorized visitors don’t need to jump through hoops just to enter or exit the school grounds. You can easily police the flow of people by limiting access to the designated entry and egress points.

For example, you can issue digital cards in personalized lanyards to authorized people so they have access to entry points or areas that needs to be secure. These access control cards can also serve as school identification and can log students, staff, and visitors’ attendance and the time they entered the premises.

Install a Monitoring System

Aside from limiting access to only authorized individuals, it’s also a good idea to monitor all access points through security cameras. Installing security cameras in entry and exit points and secured areas provides you with visual references of who comes in and out of the building. Also, be mindful of the placement of security cameras so you can fully take advantage of them.

Place the security cameras at all entry points to the school whether they’re high-traffic or low-traffic areas such as main entrances, fire exits, and other access points. Then, have a security staff member monitor the videos and keep the video recordings for at least 30 days. The recordings can be reviewed in case of incidents.

Enhance Communication System

Having a public address (PA) system in place is very useful for regular and emergency communications. It’s easier to call the attention of specific individuals during busy class hours as well as announce important reminders to everyone in school. During emergencies like fires and earthquakes, the PA system can help guide staff and students on what to do.

Aside from the PA system, you also need to consider how students or teachers in classrooms can communicate with other staff during a crisis. If, for example, there’s a medical emergency, the staff’s mobile phones can be very helpful in getting immediate assistance. Alternatively, distress alarms can be just as handy. These aren’t like fire alarms that inform the fire department but are silent alarms that call for help. If this is something you’re considering, factor in where the alarm will be heard and who will be the responders. It’s also a good idea if the distress alarm can communicate where the emergency is happening so responders will be able to reach the location quickly.

Keep the School’s Exterior Well-Lit

Another way to improve school security is keeping the exterior well-lit. It can maintain the visibility of students and school staff during school hours. Additional illumination can also help identify individuals who are on the school premises. As such, it’s important to switch on basic exterior lights in the evening, especially at the different access points. It can help deter potential intruders and make them more identifiable in security videos should they do anything malicious.

Secure the School’s Perimeter

One additional way to protect your students and staff is to secure the school’s perimeter. Schools may consider enhancing their perimeter fencing with durable materials such as Western Red Cedar for improved safety. For instance, utilizing quality fencing options like those available at Big Tex can contribute to a secure and visually appealing school environment.

Of course, playgrounds must be well maintained but some schools also ensure gates to the playground are also secure when possible.  At the very least, install security doors and windows on the school.  Security screens on windows make it more difficult for potential intruders to break the glass, while maintaining visibility outside.

Image by pch.vector on Freepik

Proper Storage of Chemicals and Flammable Materials

Ensuring the proper storage of hazardous chemicals and flammable materials is a critical aspect of maintaining school safety. Science labs and custodial closets often house substances that can pose significant risks if mishandled. These materials should be stored in designated areas that meet safety standards, such as locked cabinets or specialized storage units. Cabinets must be clearly labeled and separated by chemical type to prevent reactions. Additionally, flammable materials should be kept away from heat sources or ignition points and stored in flame-resistant containers. Regular inspections are essential to identify and address any potential hazards, such as leaks or expired chemicals.

Staff training is another key element of chemical safety in schools. Teachers, custodians, and any personnel handling these substances should be educated on proper handling and storage techniques, as well as emergency procedures. Clearly posted safety protocols, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can further reduce risks. By taking these precautions, schools create a safer environment for students and staff, minimizing the likelihood of accidents or dangerous exposures.

Train the Students and School Staff about Emergency Procedures

Another method to improve school safety is by educating students and school staff about the different emergency procedures you have in place. Informing them of plans for various scenarios such as earthquakes, fires, or in case of attacks can help everyone know what to do during such an event. School staff also become aware of their responsibilities should emergencies arise.

It’s also a good idea to conduct training and emergency drills so everyone can practice the necessary procedures and be more familiar with them. Additionally, regularly review the emergency plans and remind everyone. You can either choose to educate them at the start of each semester as this is the time you may have new students or staff joining.

While it not mandatory in many jobs, learning first aid skills and even CPR can save lives until professional help arrives. Consider offering free instruction for teachers who wish to learn these techniques, not only for the children in their schools, but their loves ones at home.

Implementing security measures ensures that your school is a safe place for students and teachers alike. But you shouldn’t just stop there. Continuously look for improvements so you can be prepared for different emergencies and potential threats. Consider the suggestions mentioned above and prioritize the safety and welfare of every person inside its premises.

Internet safety becomes more important year by year due to rampant threats to cyber security and explicit online content. To educate everyone about online security and keep them protected, Safer Internet Day (SID) is held annually on the first Tuesday of February.   The day is commemorated globally to promote a safer and more responsible use of the internet.

The next Safer Internet Day will be observed on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.  Let’s briefly discuss the history of Safer Internet Day and its current activities.

The History of Safer Internet Day

Millions of people join Safer Internet Day events and activities each year organized by SID supporters. It was initiated by the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 by Insafe a European network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs). In 2009, the day was first observed outside Europe.

More than 200 countries celebrate the event worldwide, and over 150 global SID committees are working to make the day successful. The main committee of the SID is based in European Union in Brussels.

Each SID committee consists of leading actors who are involved in the online safety arena like researchers, industry, and NGOs. There are SID committees in most of the country in the world. If your country doesn’t have a SID committee, you can form one by contacting the proper authority.

Previous Versions of Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day has been taking place annually since 2004. Here I’ll talk about several previous editions of SID.

Proposed Activities for Safer Internet Day

SID Committee organizes various activities on Safer Internet Day to make the day fruitful and increase its reach across the world. Some of the common activities that they plan for Safer Internet Day are;

• Awareness campaigns in media using video clips, social media campaigns, songs, posters, and many more
• Television programs
• Radio announcement
• Competition for children
• Press conference inviting the celebrities who support SID
• Session on internet safety involving governments, lawmakers, educators, parents, researchers, children, and so on
• Publication of recent research and results on online safety
• Visiting schools to make students and teachers aware of internet safety
• Free resources to be safe online

Note: The activities may vary a bit depending upon the decision of the SID committee in your country.

What Type of Cyber Security Does Safer Internet Day Promote?

Safer Internet Day provides lots of beneficial content to ensure online safety for everyone. Some of the best ways how SID helps us to extend cyber security are;

Educating Others about Online Safety

This annual event comprises different presentations, workshops, or campaigns that educate people about how to stay safe online. These include many of the topics we cover within our own categories on Safe Search Kids.

Encouraging the Use of Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are an essential part of online security. Safer Internet Day will encourage people to use complex passwords and to change them regularly.

Promoting Online Privacy

SID helps to understand the importance of protecting personal information online and encourages everyone to be aware of what they share online.

Encouraging Responsible Social Media Use

Social media is now a widely used platform to connect with others, but it’s important to use it responsibly. Safer Internet Day encourages people to think before they post and to be respectful of others online.

Promoting Cyberbullying Prevention

Cyberbullying can have serious consequences, so it’s important to educate people about how to recognize and prevent it.

Encouraging Responsible Gaming

Online gaming can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to use it safely, sensibly and to be aware of possible addiction issues.

Conclusion

Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of online safety. This annual event will help to educate and promote internet safety for all.  Prepare now to promote and celebrate internet safety.

As a parent, you’re responsible for protecting your children. It is particularly true for cyber security and online risk management. While there’s no way to prevent every possible threat, there are things you can do to help your kids stay safe online. Here are seven simple tips that will help you and your family stay safe on the Internet:

1. Teach Your Children That ‘Always Connected’ Is Not Always a Good Thing

“Always connected” is a term that refers to a setting on your computer that allows you to stay connected to the Internet at all times. It is often a good thing, but it can also be dangerous.

The reason why it’s so dangerous is that it leaves your computer vulnerable to being hacked by hackers. These people gain access to your private information, including passwords and bank account numbers. They can also cause serious damage to your computer.

If you want to protect yourself from this attack, ensure your computer is not always connected to the Internet by disabling this feature in your settings menu.

The “always connected” setting allows websites to track your location and follow you around the Web as you browse. It’s especially dangerous if you’re using an unsecured public Wi-Fi connection. If you’re worried about your kids’ safety on the Web, here are some things you can do:

• Be aware of what sites they’re visiting and what they’re doing there.
• Explain that sharing personal information online is risky and can lead to identity theft or cyberbullying.
• Set parental controls on all devices in the house so your kids can’t access anything without your permission.

2. Educate Your Kids About the Risks Online

Cyber security is a broad term that protects your devices from anything that could compromise their safety or data. The prime way to do this is by creating and maintaining strong passwords, which can help ensure no one else has access to your devices.

Online risk management refers to how you manage your online presence. Doing so safely means having good habits like avoiding shady websites, sexting, and using two-factor authentication for all accounts where possible.

3. Be Open to Conversations About Cyber Security and Online Risk Management

Cyber security is a huge issue. According to Zippia, a cybercrime is committed every 39 seconds in the US. People must understand how to protect themselves online, but it’s also important to recognize when people are trying to take advantage of them.

Parents should ensure their kids are aware of cyber security and open to conversations about online risks and how to manage them. Parents can help their kids stay safe online by being open to cyber security and risk management conversations.

Don’t be afraid to talk about it. And don’t be afraid of questions, either. Questions should not make you feel uncomfortable or judged because they don’t. Let your kids ask as many questions as they want.

If your child asks something you’re unsure how to answer, or if they ask you a question that makes you feel uncomfortable or awkward. There’s no need for any embarrassment here. You can always say that your parents might know more than you do on this topic and suggest looking up their answers together. You can use those moments as opportunities for learning together instead of stumbling blocks.

Moreover, introducing the right tools and resources to help your children understand the importance of cybersecurity can also be helpful. Families are shifting to STaaS solutions for data management so that they can keep their online data secure. There are many educational games, videos, and books available that teach kids about cyber safety in a fun and engaging way.

4. Make Sure Your Children Understand the Importance of Password Protection

Password protection is the first line of defense against cyber security threats. Your child’s password should be long and complex, and it should not be something easily guessed. For example, consider using a random sequence of letters, numbers, and symbols when creating your child’s password.

It will help keep unwanted users out of their devices or social media profiles. According to Statista, around 56% of young adults between 18 to 29 share their passwords with friends and family members. Technology-savvy parents may even consider using two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security when logging into online accounts such as Facebook or Gmail.

Many kids share their passwords with friends to play online games, but this is not recommended. It could compromise their accounts’ security measures. Instead, encourage your children to develop a shared passphrase they only know.

5. Teach Your Kids How to Manage Their Privacy on the Internet

Teach your kids what personal information is and why it’s crucial to manage their privacy.

Personal information can include anything that identifies or could identify you, like a name, social security number, or driver’s license number. Kids should understand that sharing this information with others can put them at risk for fraud or identity theft.

Teach your kids how to manage their privacy on the Internet so they know what information they should share with others on the Web. According to a study by Javelin, in 2022, around 915,000 children fell victim to ID fraud in the US, compared to 1.25 million in the past year. This decrease in number shows that kids are becoming aware of cyber fraud and data breaches.

6. Keep an Eye on the Latest Online Fads, Trends, and Apps

Keeping an eye on the latest online fads, trends and apps is the best way to keep your kids safe. With the rise of social media and increased exposure to technology, you must talk about the latest apps with your child. You should also check their social media accounts frequently to ensure they’re not doing anything risky. In addition, it can give you opportunities for discussions about cyber security.

It’s also important to be aware of the latest trends and fads. For example, if your child spends a lot of time on social media, this could indicate that they’re being exposed to unhealthy habits like smoking.

7. Encourage Kids to Think Before They Click on Links or Open an Attachment

Teach your kid to think before they click on a link or open an attachment. If a website looks suspicious, tell them to ask you before opening it. If in doubt, don’t open it.

Many web pages are designed to look like legitimate sites that kids should trust, but they may be dangerous. For example, some websites use pictures of famous characters, like Pokemon, to trick children into visiting them. In addition, these sites may try to get children to download software or enter personal information that criminals can use for identity theft.

When you see a link on Facebook or other social media platforms that seems questionable, tell your child not to click on it unless you check with them first. Explain to them so they understand what is happening here too. This type of discussion will help build up better habits around online safety when kids become mature enough for more advanced conversations about online risks like cyberbullying.

Keep Your Child Safe by Being Aware and Talking About It

As a parent, it’s your job to protect your children from online risks. You can teach them about cyber security and online risk management. Kids need to know that not everything on the Internet is safe or good for them.

Make sure they understand these risks and how to avoid them with your help. Keep an eye on new apps, trends, and websites that may pose threats, and make sure they know how important it is not to click on links or open attachments without knowing who sent them.

Having an open dialogue with your children will help them understand these challenges; while also helping them learn how to deal with them should they occur in the future.

Technological advancement has revolutionized home safety for the better. Every home security device and tool today is smart, from the locks, alarms, lighting systems, and doorbells, to the surveillance cameras. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking the effectiveness of these home security devices a notch higher by enabling them to learn and react to potential security breaches.

AI is now deeply entrenched in the realm of security, which has birthed a new era of home security like no other.

AI Home Security Capabilities: Continuous Learning and Monitoring

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines (computers) to learn, reason, and perform tasks that were traditionally reserved for human intelligence. There’s a branch of AI known as Machine Learning. Through Machine Learning, AI can learn from past experiences, develop knowledge, keep a memory, and then use past memories and experiences to detect and report potential security threats. Modern surveillance systems operate with AI for continuous learning and security monitoring.

Such a surveillance system will, among other things:

1. Offer a 24/7 monitoring functionality. The system shares real-time data and alerts you in case of an abnormal security situation.
2. Differentiate between human beings, objects such as furniture, shadows, and animals in the home. This filters out false alarms.
3. Detect suspected home breakers and trespassers and ask them to leave before alerting you or your security personnel. That lowers the frequency of false positives.
4. Use the knowledge it gathers over time to iteratively improve its capabilities. It understands your home’s unique needs, so you don’t need to hire more security staff to keep an eye on multiple-camera feeds.
5. Make it easier for your security personnel to extract data and pick out specific events in a pile of video recordings. Searching for an event in long video footage using manual processes can be extremely tedious and time-consuming.

What AI Devices Do You Need To Deploy IN Home Security?

1. AI-powered custom home security cameras

AI-powered custom home security cameras come with face recognition features, which means they can recognize house occupants and frequent guests. You can even set it to notify you with a special voice assistant or an alert to a mobile app whenever a regular guest arrives at your door, even before they knock. It’s in the same way that the cameras recognize frequent guests that it detects and notifies you/police of unknown or suspicious people.

AI-powered security cameras will help you find lost objects through AI’s ability to recognize and label objects in the house. The cameras can also read license plates and create a database of the cars allowed to park in your parking lot. Any car that’s not on the database is flagged off immediately.

2. AI-powered video monitoring systems

AI-based video monitoring systems eliminate the need for security personnel to constantly stare at screens. The system will analyze video footage from multiple cameras and detect accidents (such as slip-and-fall or fire), emotional or violent incidences, or any other abnormal behavior/incident in the home. They come with emotions and behavior recognition features, enabling them to detect an intruder’s emotional state and alert house owners of imminent danger.

The system can also detect visual patterns of domestic violence- e.g. clenched fists, flying objects, crying, unexpected fall to the floor, rapid arms movement, or loud conversations with abnormal intonations. Abnormal behavior recognition is also perfect for detecting and alerting first responders of heart attacks, panic attacks, or epileptic attack incidents in the home.

3. Ambient sensors

You don’t need to build walk-through stations at the gate to keep the home safe from chemical warfare. Ambient sensing detects the presence of hazardous materials in the home. The technology will alert you of explosives, toxic industrial chemicals, hydrocarbons (e.g., diesel, gasoline, and toluene), or any other chemical warfare agents. The sensors provide continuous sensing over wide areas. You can place them anywhere on the property, including the main security breach culprits- the backyard and bathrooms. That’s unlike walk-through stations that are mostly limited to the gate and main entryways.

4. Geofencing

Geofencing technology uses artificial intelligence to define a region that’s out of bounds to unknown people. It then creates a virtual fence around that region for added protection. It can tell when a house occupant enters or exits the perimeter, so it turns the lights or thermostat on/off. If a thief steals a smart device within the perimeter, the system can alert security authorities of what has been stolen.

Types of AI: Strong, Weak, and Super AI

 Artificial Intelligence has three stages.

• Weak AI (Narrow AI): These AI tools perform very specialized, basic human intelligence tasks. All the AI tools known to man today belong in this category. Some of the common examples of weak AI are email spam filters, Google maps, Siri and other smart assistants, chatbots, phone autocorrects, and self-driving cars. Using the right conversational AI tool can help automate these tasks, making them more efficient and accurate. When it comes to out home safety and comfort these tools can be of great help. They can provide us with timely reminders, weather alerts and much more.

• Strong AI or artificial general intelligence (AGI): These AI tools should mimic general human intelligence. They should learn new skills, be knowledgeable, and plan ahead just like humans do. Strong AI doesn’t exist as of now- it’s hypothetical.

• Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI): These AI tools will surpass human intelligence. ASI is also hypothetical as of today. Sci-fi movies attempt to predict what ASI will be like once it’s realized and actualized, and their predictions are quite scary.

Types of AI: Functionality

Based on their functionalities, AI tools fall into these 4 categories:

• Reactive Machine AI: These tools perform pre-defined tasks. An example of reactive machine AI is the chess program known as Garry Kasparov.

• Limited Memory AI: This AI can store past experiences, study past data from its memory, and evaluate future actions. Examples of limited memory AI are chatbots and self-driving cars.

• Theory of Mind AI: This AI is hypothetical. Once actualized, it’s expected to mimic the emotional intelligence of human beings and to comprehend human beliefs and thoughts.

• Self-Aware AI: These AI tools are also hypothetical. Tech futurists predict that self-aware AI will have its own consciousness and self-awareness. The AI will be super intelligent.

Conclusion

Technology in the home will continue to expand home security will keep getting tighter and more efficient as more advanced types of AI come into being. The future of AI is, however, hypothetical and, to some extent, far-fetched. There is a long way to get to strong AI and super-intelligent AI. If the future of AI scares you, now is a little too soon to start worrying. Embrace the present with a little more optimism and enjoy the exciting possibilities that weak AI has brought about.