Safety On The College Campus   by Ted Marlett

College should be a great time for exploration and learning. However, more and more it is getting to be a dangerous place to be and continues to be more so each year. Hazing to late night parties means more predators are out to possibly do harm to you when you are not at your best. Just walking to and from college can be a journey full of danger.

When you or your child are in a hazardous situation or being attacked, do you or your child panic or follow your instincts for survival. Is your or their survival instincts always right? Most people have a tendency to panic as do teachers and parents when they find out their sons or daughters have been attacked or a rape attempt has been executed. But, panicking does not help anyone much less the person having the problem. Planning for safety does.

By teaching children safety and common sense before they get to be teens and the precautions of college life and safety before they go to college may save their life or at the very least keep them out of harm's way.

One of the most prevalent forms of college abuse in past years has been hazing in sororities and fraternities.

This practice has always been a part of college life for many years, but many colleges are trying to reform and stop the hazing, and it still goes on. Unfortunately many students who are pledging wake up the next day with more than just a hangover. Some wake up with severe physical problems or psychological problems as a result of hazing. Some primary people in the college group will do anything during the hazing "process."

The hazing process has many different parts to the process that include, but are not limited to:

Binge drinking
Paddling
Spitting
Forcing participants to overeat
Beating
Mental or physical intimidation

Hazing activities and/or processes are extremely hard to minimize or categorize. It's the only way for some students to get into the particular fraternity or sorority that they want. However, the student?s best defense is to know how to handle situations before they arise.

This is where parental education comes in, particularly parents who have been "through the process" when they went to college and do not want their children to have to do it. Teaching their children their rights and how to handle the situation that may go beyond the limits of what they want to do may get them out of a sticky situation. Your child, or you, may want to avoid the situation altogether and will need to learn how to negotiate with the hazers. Your child does not need to lose the respect of his or her peers during the process. Use your good judgment when you teach your child about college.

Teach your child about safe partying.

Most social activities in college do not simply mean joining the Glee Club or the Computer Club. Partying is a major part of collegiate life on weekends and sometimes on the week nights. Talk to your child about drug and alcohol use and what it will do to them. You may not be able to stop your child from experimenting, but you could have an influence on the outcome. Teaching your children how to have a good time without drugs or alcohol should be a primary consideration. If you find that they are partying, don't try to stop them. Rather talk to them about what safe partying is so they can be safe and still enjoy college life. Here are some ideas:

* If they are going to host a party, speak to their neighbors so they will know when it is going to be and how long it should last.

* Parties do not need alcohol or drugs. When they create their party theme ask them to create it without the thought of drugs or alcohol included.

* Follow local fire laws and make sure they are aware of how to put out simple fires should they occur or call 911.

* Call 911 in the event of an emergency and have a clear access path to the party area.

A party can be safe and fun if you take the precautions early and teach your children what to do and how to do it.

There are some dangers in and around the campus and dorms.

Many college students, especially freshmen, live on campus. They must know what to do in an emergency and be able to call campus security or other help. They must learn the local resources available to keep safe. Here are some helpful hints:

* When walking around campus be sure to follow the most well lit path available.

* Stay in groups; there is safety in numbers.

* If your child is forced to go out alone make sure he or she tells someone where they are going and when they will be back.
* Take some type of protective device with them.

* Use good judgment when walking or jogging. Wearing headphones means you will not be able to hear what is going on around you.

* When back in your dorm, always lock the doors and windows before going to bed for the night.

College life should be one of the most incredible experiences of a child's life, it was for me. Make sure your child is taught safety and planning so he or she will enjoy the experience inside and outside the dorm.

About the Author

copyright 2006 Ted Marlett has been in the business of selling safety and security products for the past two years and has completed a Masters level degree course. He is well acquainted to the dangers of college life. Look at some products such as pepper spray that may help protect your college student. Thank you for looking.