If you run an educational organization or you work with students, it’s understandable to want the best for them. Being proactive in protecting pupils can lower risks and ensure a positive educational experience for students, teachers, mentors and coaches. In this guide, we’ll outline some effective ways to champion student protection.
Ensure compliance with local and national regulations
Whether you run a large-scale organization or a small venture that provides educational services, it’s essential to ensure you comply with local and national regulations. Familiarize yourself with guidelines and laws and carry out regular reviews and checks. Update policies in line with changes or revisions to existing regulations and make sure that everyone on the team understands the latest guidance.
Provide training
Training is hugely beneficial for educators and students. Anyone who is in a position that involves working with students can benefit from undertaking training that covers key areas, such as safeguarding and creating inclusive, diverse settings. Research courses and programs and look for opportunities that are relevant to your workforce, facility and student population. Providing access to Title IX sexual harassment and discrimination training is an effective way to protect students and ensure anyone who works within educational institutions understands clear boundaries and what constitutes discrimination and sexual harassment.
Encourage open communication
In an environment, which should provide a safe place for students to learn, it’s crucial to promote open communication. If students have concerns, or they’re struggling with any aspect of life at school or college, they should feel able to approach responsible adults and discuss the issue. Try to create a culture that facilitates open, honest discussion and make sure educators and support staff listen to students. If people don’t feel confident about talking openly, or they’re worried about the potential repercussions of raising concerns, this could have a negative impact on their mental well-being and put others off coming forward.
Nurture health and well-being
Educational settings should nurture children and young adults, enabling them to thrive and grow in a secure, inclusive and harmonious environment. Whether you run a business that involves delivering coaching, teaching or training services to young people, or you work at a school or college, it’s hugely beneficial to shine a spotlight on health and well-being. Try to encourage healthy lifestyle choices, understand the stresses and strains students face and aim to prevent or solve problems. The most common causes of stress among students include academic pressure, social relationships, financial worries, poor mental health and missing home. There are many ways to enhance student health and well-being, including implementing targeted policies and guidelines, providing access to facilities and wellness programs, improving health education and offering mental health support.
Protecting students should be a priority for anyone who works or operates an organization within the education sector. Key areas to focus on include ensuring compliance with rules, laws and regulations, providing training for employees and those who work in education settings, encouraging open communication and transparency between students and staff members, and nurturing physical and mental health and well-being.
