Living on a college campus allows teens to form closer relationships, be more involved and learn how to be independent. However, students also need to keep safety at top of mind. We talked to campus security and resident assistants to find out what tips parents and teens need to know while at college, and in everyday life.
Know Who to Contact
Make sure you have campus security and EMS phone numbers saved in your phone in case of an emergency. You can also label certain phone numbers as ICE (in case of emergency) in your phone, in case someone finds your phone and needs to contact a loved one.
Stay in Well Lit Areas
Try not to walk alone at night, but if you do, stay in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take note of street signs, landmarks and other identifying locations. Keep your head up and don’t get distracted by your phone or earbuds. Take notice of anyone walking or driving near you. Carry legal pepper spray in case of an emergency.
Always Lock Doors
Always lock your dorm or apartment door, even if you go to the bathroom or pop into another friend’s room. Make sure if you have a car on campus, those doors are locked and alarmed as well.
Be Aware of Suspicious Behavior
Public campuses often encounter incidents where people try to sneak into residential buildings since they can be easily accessible. Do not let anyone into your building who you do not know. “While this may seem like a very basic safety tip, it is actually one of the hardest for college students to follow since it seems like second nature to hold a door open for someone. Limiting building access for non-residents majorly deters theft and other crimes of opportunity,” says Lt. Commander Rachel Baum from Rowan University.
Keep Valuable Items Out of Plain Sight
Avoid leaving any valuable items, such as car keys or your wallet, where others can see or grab them. “Vehicle theft becomes a crime of opportunity when keys are left unsecured,” says Lt. Baum. Keep all personal belongings in a secure area when you are out in public.
Attend Safety Training Sessions
Many colleges offer safety training such as active shooter preparedness or fire prevention. Reach out to your campus’s security department to sign up for a session.
Don’t Send Compromising Photos
Scammers love to take advantage of teens and use explicit photos as a form of blackmail in what is referred to as a “sextortion” scheme. To prevent this situation from happening, never send any compromising or explicit photos of yourself to a stranger online, says Lt. Baum.
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