College and Campus Safety

College should be a time of great exploration. However, with more dangers developing every school year -- from hazing to late-night parties to predators on campus -- parents are getting more than a case of  "empty nest" syndrome. Many parents panic when their child makes the big move, but panicking doesn’t solve any problems. By learning and teaching their teen precautions, parents can keep their child out of harm’s way during collegiate years away from home.

Hazing
Pledging for sororities and fraternities has always been a part of the college life. But some students are waking up with more than just a hangover after a night of pledging, including signs of physical abuse. The culprit is called hazing, a harmful initiation process that has become far too common on college campuses among those in a certain group and those who will do anything to be in that group.

Hazing comes in many forms. Typically, it includes:

• Binge drinking
• Paddling
• Spitting
• Forcing participants to overeat
• Beating
• Mental or physical intimidation

Hazing activities are very hard to categorize and/or minimize. However, any college student’s best defense is to know how to handle situations before they arise. Teach your child to be smart about it. If someone is trying to make your child do something your child doesn’t want to do, your child should know his or her limits. Maybe you want your child to avoid the situation entirely, or maybe you want your child to negotiate with the hazers. You don’t want your child to lose the respect of his or her peers, but you want your child to get out of dangerous situations before it’s too late. Use your good judgment and pass that on to your child.

Safe Partying
Social activities in college are not simply restricted to the glee club. Partying is a large part of collegiate life on weekends, and even the most sheltered of children will experiment with partying. Your job should be to remind your kids that it is possible to be safe and still have a good time.

If you know your child is partying, don't feel like you need to stop them from doing so. Especially when they are away, they may take the liberty to do what they want anyway. Instead, talk to him or her about how to throw a safe party. Then encourage your child to spread that knowledge to his or her friends. Communicate to your child that you just want them to be safe so they can enjoy the other aspects of college life. Some common sense tips:

• If you are going to host a gathering, speak with your neighbors so they are informed about when and how long the celebration will last.
• Parties don’t need alcohol! Creating a party with a theme or some other fun environment will take the focus off alcohol.
• Follow all local fire laws, and if you live in a dry area, make sure to leave ashtray out to prevent fires.
• In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 and make sure to clear a path so that emergency vehicles have access to the building.
• Most importantly, remember that partying can be safe AND fun, if you take precautions early so that you aren’t sorry later.

Dangers In and Around the Dorms
Many college students, especially freshmen, live on campus in dormitories. While living on campus, it is important that students are aware of how to get in contact with campus police or campus safety resources. Tell your child to also follow these helpful hints:

• When walking on campus make sure to follow the most well-lit path possible.
• You should always move in groups; there is truth to the saying that there is safety in numbers.
• If you are forced to go out alone, let your roommate or dorm neighbor knows where you are going and when you should be back.
• When exercising alone, whether jogging or walking, be careful when wearing headphones. It leaves you vulnerable and unaware of others and your surroundings.
• When back in the dorms, always lock your doors and windows before going to bed for the night.

College should be a time of incredible life lessons. Make sure your child is cautious in planning and action so that he or she can enjoy life both inside and outside of the classroom.