From: www.fox34.com
By: Jonah Tuls
School safety measures are starting to expand from physical security to improving the mental health of students.
That is evidenced by Gov. Abbott signing House Bill 18 into law.
It will increase funding, training, and access to mental health programs in school districts across the state.
Lubbock-Cooper ISD Assistant Superintendent Macy Satterwhite said its approach to school safety is not just about hardening facilities, but it is also the softening part of it.
“What we’ve found is that if we can put one caring adult in the pathway of a child, then they’re more likely to be successful because they have someone who cares about them, who’s checking up on them, and making sure that they’re okay throughout their school year,” Satterwhite said.
In fact, she said school security should always start within, as student well-being is the top priority.
“Until you actually solve the mental health crisis that we have in this country, there’s really no building or security that’s going to be 100% foolproof,” Satterwhite said.
This is why Satterwhite said the district’s counseling programs are 24-7, especially with social media becoming more prevalent.
She said they must adapt to fight the evolving issue of cyberbullying.
“We are now sending out, through our social media outlets, digital citizenship tools for parents and how to set those controls on the students’ devices, where parents can take an active role in what they’re accessing,” Satterwhite said.