What You Can Do

Discussion Policy
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007

While it's the responsibility of grown-ups -- parents, teachers and principals -- to keep kids safe at school, there are some things that you can do to help them, your classmates and yourself deal with possibly dangerous situations.

1. Talk with your teachers or your parents about any concerns you might have about school safety in general. Sometimes just knowing that there's a plan can calm your fears.

2. Pay attention. If your school has lockdown drills, don't goof off. Follow the instructions so that if there's ever a problem, you will know what to do.

3. Report concerns. If you see a stranger hanging around your school or if you hear a classmate talking about hurting people, tell a grown-up. That's not tattling or snitching. You could help save someone's life.

4. Remember that school shootings, as scary as they are, are rare. You will probably never have to face a situation like this at your school, but it's smart to be prepared just in case.



© 2007 The Washington Post Company