For most students, entering a university means living by themselves for the first time. While this independence may be exciting for many, others are stressing over their safety.
Each university faces safety issues ranging from theft, harassment, and cyberbullying to drug abuse. While most campuses are safe, an unfortunate incident may strike at any time. Therefore, university students need a student safety devices to protect themselves on campus.
Safety Concerns In Universities
Every university has some unavoidable public safety concerns; however, protection against them is possible. The common issues that most university students face include the following.
1. Harassment and Sexual Crimes In University Campuses
The US college campuses reported 27,700 criminal cases between 2009 to 2019 against university students and their property. One in every 500 students becomes a victim of harassment and sexual assault. Several other similar cases simply go unreported.
Females are generally at a higher risk of being assaulted. Every sixth woman in the US faces an attempt of rape, which explains why the need for a personal safety device is heightened for female students.
2. Drug And Alcohol Mafias
College and university students are often the targets of drug mafias. Students get addicted to alcohol and drugs when they are all alone on university campuses, which means it is easy to exploit them. They can become the victims of serious crimes. Those who choose to stand against mafias may get into troublesome situations. A personal safety device protects students against such unions to stay safe on university campuses.
3. Cyber Bullying
Cyberbullying is a serious safety concern that usually goes unnoticed. With education being heavily internet-dependent, students spend considerable time online. This means they are much more vulnerable to cyber attacks than any other demographic.
Cyberbullying awareness is a must for university students, and a personal panic button can help them report such incidences before they cause significant harm.
How Can A Personal Safety Device Help University Students?
A personal safety device is a portable self-defense weapon that allows you to call for help discreetly in need. It has a real-time GPS tracking system and several other safety features that come in handy during an emergency.
Students who feel threatened on campus can alert their friends, the university escort team, or even 911.
The Silent Beacon panic button is a Bluetooth personal safety device that connects to your smartphone/smartwatch. It is lightweight and easy to carry around so that you can always keep it with you. You can also customize your emergency contacts according to different kinds of emergencies. Since it is wearable, it can be available even when your phone is knocked out of your possession — although it should be in the range for Silent Beacon to send alerts.
Silent Beacon is the best-streamlined device that instantly connects the user with campus security discreetly, with the push of a button.
Some Tips To Stay Safe On University Campuses
The majority of crimes on university campuses occur due to carelessness. Students do not refrain from visiting areas of suspicious activity and leave their belongings unattended, which results in physical and property damage.
Always remember that you are responsible for your safety. Here are some great tips and student safety devices you should live by when studying at a university to stay safe.
1. Be Aware of Your Campus's Crime Rates
Look for crime statistics of your campus and the city it is located in. The more you know about the safety threats you may be dealing with, the better. Study the locations where most crimes occur and avoid visiting them at all costs, especially when you are alone.
Every university offers a Campus security service. Visit your universities security department and understand what services they offer. Gather important information, such as who to call in case of different emergencies. Download any safety resources available on your university’s website, including safe route maps and details about escort services. Do not forget to carry your personal student safety devices.
2. Protect Your Privacy On Social Media
Online identity theft and cyberbullying are common problems university students face. Your social media profiles are an excellent way for predators to look into whatever you’re up to at any moment. Be very cautious online, do not tag live locations when you visit a place alone. Analyze what you post on your feed and what you share with your mates online.
Keep your account settings private and disable location services so you stay safe.
3. Take Care Of Your Belongings
Your personal belongings, including all gadgets, academic resources, and all valuables, need to be safe. Always lock your apartment door if you are a hostelite since most on-campus theft events occur at night. Lock your windows when you are not in your room.
Purchase a safe for valuable items, including your laptop, iPad, and earpods. Keep it hidden in your closet when not in use.
If you own a car, ensure it is safe every time you drive it in. Look into the backseat and under the car before you turn the ignition on. Lock the car whenever you park it anywhere. Car theft can be a big blow to your budget.
4. Know How To Defend Yourself
Despite all safety protections, emergencies might knock up. Better be prepared to face safety threats head-on and learn how to confront people who make you feel unsafe. Most universities offer self-defense courses and classes on campus or in gyms. If you are hesitant to join a batch alone, try convincing a friend to go along with you.
Always carry non-lethal personal safety weapons with you at all times. Things like pepper spray, teasers, and Mace’s are available in most city markets and online stores.
Do not forget to wear your student safety devices on campus all day, every day. A panic button, such as Silent Beacon’s, is your resort to report any suspicious activity you notice on campus to higher authorities. You can even call 911 if you feel unsafe and want immediate help.
University is a rich experience. Enjoy your freedom on campus, familiarise yourself with the campus, and make new friends. But most importantly, prioritize your personal safety over everything to ensure you live your university experience to the fullest.
