One of the most important basic needs in our children’s lives is the need to have a safe environment. Children are a part of different environments everyday: home, school, restaurant, friend’s house, relative’s house, convenience store, churches and the list goes on. It is important that we all act intentionally and create safe, secure environments where our youth can thrive.
Here are the facts
Research shows that young people who feel safe in their surroundings are more likely to make positive contributions. About 57 percent of Washington County young people, grades 6th through 12th, report feeling safe at home, at school, and in their neighborhood, according to Search Institute’s Attitudes & Behavior survey conducted in 2006. The key to safety is to create and maintain an environment that minimizes fear and maximizes opportunities to take healthy risks.
Tips for building this asset
- Make sure the rules are clear and shared with the youth.
- Identify possible dangers in the environment and find ways to reduce the dangers. Example: When youth play in the yard make sure they stay a specific distance away from the road.
- Create a supportive environment by talking with kids and letting them know they are welcome.
- Media and society can fuel feelings of anxiety and danger in the world. Talk with youth about using common sense during times of possible danger and remaining calm.
- Create routines. Routines provide comfort to youth and something to count on in a world where there is less and less we can predict.
Not all youth are fortunate enough to have a safe, supportive environment to go home to. The key to safety is to create and maintain an environment that minimizes fear and maximizes opportunities to take healthy risks. Let us act intentionally together as a community and do our part to make our places a safe and supportive environment where youth are welcome.