2022 State of School Safety Report

Findings Reveal Students Concerned with Physical and Emotional Safety at School

A national report released by Safe and Sound Schools, in partnership with Raptor Technologies and Lightspeed Systems, reveals school safety perceptions from school district administrators, public safety staff, teachers, parents, and students. The survey reveals that in general, most groups feel schools are safe but also identifies where there are gaps amongst stakeholders.

Key findings:

The goal of the 2022 State of School Safety survey is to assess perceptions, issues, and gaps in understanding safety as students continue to adjust to their return to school. The study seeks to better understand how safety concerns affect perceptions of safety, how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted multiple aspects of the school environment, and uncover effective strategies for crisis prevention, response, and recovery.

68%

of students reporting feeling safe at school compared to 87% of educators; suggesting that there are more schools can do to help students feel safe.

60%

of students felt their school or district was prepared to support students who are being bullied at school or online. The perceptions of students and parents versus educators are vastly different indicating more needs to be done about bullying on and off campus.

79%

of students perceived an increase in depression, compared to parents at 60% signaling a need for increased communications amongst school communities.

All groups are extremely concerned about mental health crises, bullying/peer-on-peer abuse, substance abuse as well as neglect/abuse at home and even basic needs.

All groups chose school counselors, school nurses, and SROs as the primary resources to keep students safe, with the support of tools and technology such as visitor management, tip lines, and social media scanning.

Only 68% of students reporting feeling safe at school compared to 87% of educators; suggesting that there are more schools can do to help students feel safe.
All groups are extremely concerned about mental health crises, bullying/peer-on-peer abuse, substance abuse as well as neglect/abuse at home and even basic needs.
Only 60% of students felt their school or district was prepared to support students who are being bullied at school or online.
79% of students perceived an increase in depression, compared to parents at 60% signaling a need for increased communications amongst school communities.
All groups chose school counselors, school nurses, and SROs as the primary resources to keep students safe, with the support of tools and technology such as visitor management, tip lines, and social media scanning.

Emergency Response

91%

of Educators believe their school community knows what to do in the event of an emergency

Only 74% of Public Safety Professionals agree

(down from 90% in 2021)

Mental Health

83%

of Educators feel their school is prepared in the event of a mental health issue or crisis

Only 61% of students agree

Drills

88%

of Educators feel their school community conducts a variety of safety drills

Only 74% of students agree

(down 7% from 2021)

Safety

87%

of educators feel safe at school suggesting more needs to be done to help staff and students feel safe

Only 68% of students agree

Depression

85%

of Educators and Public Safety professionals perceive an increase in depression rate amongst students

Only 55% of parents agree

BTA

93%

of Public Safety officials believe behavioral threat assessment is an important tool in managing school safety

Only 81% of Educators agree

Download the full report to learn more

Download the 2022 State of School Safety Report to learn the gaps revealed by the survey in feelings and perceptions about school safety amongst various stakeholders.

- Chris Allen, Crisis Management Technician, Laramie County School District WY

- Michael Barbara, Safety Coordinator, Alhambra (CA) USD

- David Wrzesinski, Director of Safety and Emergency Management, Robinson (TX) ISD