"How Safe is My Child at School?"

"Is My Child Safe at School?" It is an important question, and one that all of us here at Anderson County Schools take very seriously. Studies around the country indicate that schools remain the safest place for your child. In fact, in a recent survey of Anderson County students, less than 1% of 8th grade students reported using an illegal substance while at school compared to 29% of them who reported experimenting outside of school time (weekends and evenings).

Here are some more quick facts:

	99% of all child fatalities occur outside school hours
	A student is 3 times more likely to be a victim of crime outside of school hours
	According to local surveys, students are 7 times more likely to carry a gun for protection on the weekends or evenings after school
	Between 1993 and 1996, the overall school crime rate declined. In 1993 there were approximately 164 school-related crimes for every 1,000 students between the ages of 12 and 18. That number dropped to 128 in 1996
	In 1976, some 6% of seniors reported taking a weapon to school; that figure had not changed significantly in 1996
	Anderson County Schools recently won over $120,000 in grant money to help prevent the unwanted behaviors of juvenile delinquency, drug & alcohol abuse, and violence
	Every school in Anderson County has a safety plan and a crises response plan

Resources for Parents

 School Safety, What You Can Do

National Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools: A Parent's Guide to Prevention

Annual Report on School Safety, 1999

Helping Children Deal With Violence and Disasters

Parents, The Anti-Drug: Articles and Advice

What is this new drug Ecstasy?

Drugs, Right Under Your Nose: What EVERY parent should know about Inhalants

Commonly Abused Drugs and Their Effects

Talking with Your Children About Violence

Email Anderson County's  Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator