COLUMBIA, S.C. — Growing Concerns Surround School Safety in Newberry
The topic of school safety has become a hot-button issue among parents in Newberry, South Carolina. Recent threats targeting local schools have spurred serious conversations, not only among parents but also across the state and beyond. After a concerning post made its rounds on Snapchat, many parents found themselves grappling with an unsettling question: Should they send their kids to school?
A Mother’s Dilemma
Crystal Shealy, a mother of three with children in the Newberry Public School District, summarised the feelings that many parents are experiencing. “I don’t want to send my kid to school crying every morning,” she expressed. The emotional struggle is palpable: as parents, they want to reassure their children, but underneath, the anxiety is real. Shealy reflects this sentiment perfectly, admitting, “secretly, when she gets out of the car, I’m the one crying too.” This isn’t just anxiety for many; it’s a fierce battle fueled by love and concern for their children’s safety.
The Social Media Spiral
Shealy’s worries intensified after her seventh-grade daughter shared a disturbing post that was circulating on social media. “I’m scared—very, very, very scared,” she disclosed, highlighting a deeper issue specific to children who already experience anxiety. Her daughter lays awake at night crying about school, fearing for her life. Such anxiety resonates with many families, making it clear that these feelings aren’t exclusive to just one household.
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster explained how social media began to amplify these worries. “We had a situation where a student made a post on Facebook and Snapchat, and of course, that was shared through everybody,” he said. As parents received the post, concerns spread like wildfire, fearing for the safety and security of their children at school.
Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
The rise in safety threats has many parents questioning the *current security measures* in place at their children’s schools. As Shealy suggested, “metal detectors would give us a little bit of peace of mind.” The belief is that if larger schools have the ability to implement such measures, smaller schools can too, regardless of their size or number of entrances. These suggestions show just how vital it is for parents to feel secure about their child’s well-being.
Exploring Solutions
In light of these concerns, the Newberry School District has been proactive, stating they are currently exploring the possibility of installing metal detectors. However, there’s a catch. The costs involved can be significant, and officials mentioned that operating a metal detector effectively would require multiple staff members. “It takes at least two people to effectively run a metal detector,” Foster explained, detailing the added complexities involved in ensuring safety at schools.
The Importance of Clear Communication
While the specific threat in Newberry was deemed non-credible, Sheriff Foster emphasized the need for open communication. Parents and students are urged to report any alarming concerns directly to the authorities instead of relying on the rumor mill of social media. “If you see something, say something,” he reiterated. This phrase couldn’t be more critical in such times. Prompt reporting ensures that the right people are informed and can take necessary action.
Staying Vigilant Together
Parents like Shealy, alongside law enforcement, are working together as a community to combat these fears. Creating a safe environment for children goes beyond just physical measures; it involves building trust and open channels of communication with both the home and school. In an uncertain world, it’s this sense of solidarity that can bring some comfort to anxious parents and worried students alike.
As the worries continue, one thing remains certain: the safety of children in schools is a community effort, and together, we’ll navigate this complicated issue, making informed decisions to protect the futures of our children.
