Importance of Safety at Boarding Schools In India

Safety at boarding schools is an important issue for both parents and educators. Since students are living away from home, the emphasis will be placed on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the student. In today’s boarding schools,  the staff is trained, campuses are secure, and student wellbeing is demonstrated through health protocols.

Anti-bullying measures, and students have access to professionals when they need them. When families are considering enrolling their child at a boarding school, they will need to familiarize themselves with the many aspects of safety at boarding schools. This blog will provide insight into how safety in boarding schools has evolved in the 21st century and what key measures a school must undertake for comprehensive child safety.

Why Safety at Boarding Schools Matters? 

Safety is not just a guideline; it is the basis for a residential education where students can learn and grow. When students feel safe, they can be academically, emotionally, and socially thriving. Here is why safety is important for students:

• Ensures Peace of Mind: Families feel reassured to know their child is safe. This way, parents feel confident in their decision to consider school away from home, especially when selecting a boarding school in Dehradun based on their community and safety.

• Provides the Means to Develop: A safe space is an opportunity for students to focus on their academic learning, as well as their development as a person, without distractions from fear and anxiety. Therefore, students can develop in a positive environment.

• Builds Trust in the School: A commitment to safety, such as in schools in Dehradun, ensures trust in families and supports effective two-way communication about student well-being and important school community decisions or initiatives.

• Prevents Harm and Emergencies: If there is a possibility of harm, it is the responsibility of all schools to conduct safety assessments and implement preventative measures that will minimize potential incidents through ongoing training and practice (for example, emergency drills, health checks, and counseling). 

• Improves Academic Performance: It is clear that students perform better in any environment when they feel safe and secure, as performance is often compromised through stress and anxiety about their safety.

Key Safety Measures at Boarding Schools in India 

Safety at boarding schools is of the utmost importance. Here are the key safety measures that must be taken by a boarding school to ensure safety

1. Physical Safety Measures at Boarding Schools

Here is an overview of some of the leading physical safety measures that schools must undertake for children’s comprehensive safety: 

• Campus Security and Overall Surveillance:  Boarding schools should have 24/7 CCTV coverage, supervised entries,  ID-based access to school buildings, and fencing along the perimeter of the property. They should also establish a proper identification, screening, and recording process for all entry points so that nobody can enter the school without proper clearance. Boarding schools in Dehradun often have such stringent measures in place. 

• Emergency Preparedness Should Be Regular: Every boarding school should arrange regular fire drills, lockdown drills, and natural disaster preparedness. Emergency protocols should be communicated effectively to students and staff.

• Health Protocols Should Be Strong: Schools should have clinics on campus, with trained medical professionals able to give first aid and deal with minor medical problems. Schools should enter into partnerships with regional hospitals for emergencies and arrange regular health checks and vaccinations for students. Schools in Dehradun usually offer such facilities. 

• Hygiene and cleanliness Should Be Regular: The boarding school should regularly disinfect boarding facilities, dining halls, and classrooms. The provision of clean drinking water, the cleanliness of cooking equipment, and pest control should be common.

• Safe Travel Should Be Mandatory: If people are travelling to venues or camps using school transport, the vehicles should have GPS and be safe. Moreover, the drivers should be vetted by the school, and the travel should always comply with school practices.

2. Emotional and Psychological Safety Measures

The emotional and Psychological well-being of students is as important as physical safety at boarding school. Here is an overview of these measures: 

• Counseling Services Should Be Accessible: Boarding schools in Dehradun usually have on-campus Counsellors or mental health professionals for students’ emotional well-being. Students in these schools have places to confidentially seek help for stress, anxiety, homesickness, or peer pressure. Therefore, this helps students to drain out their stress and feel relaxed again. 

• Bullying Prevention Programs: Boarding schools must have anti-bullying programs. It has been witnessed that schools in Dehradun usually have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, along with anonymous reporting systems, ongoing awareness, and peer support groups to encourage a culture of empathy and respect.

• Trained Pastoral Care: House Parents and Dormitory Supervisors should be trained to recognize signs of emotional distress, how to offer guidance, and serve as a trusted adult with whom students can speak. Such emotional safety at boarding schools helps students to communicate their thoughts openly. 

• Parental Communication Should Be Regular and Transparent: Schools should send regular information through emails, portals, or apps regarding their child’s well-being. Schools are encouraged to have open-door policies for parental engagement and ideas.

3. Digital and Social Safety

Here are some of the key actions that must be taken for digital safety at boarding schools: 

• Cyber Safety Should Be Taught and Practiced: Schools in Dehradun must teach students responsible internet use, appropriate behavior on social media, and engage in cybersecurity measures. Monitored Wi-Fi and limited access to dangerous content should be implemented.

• Staff Should Be Vetted and Trained: All boarding school staff, from teachers to security, should be background checked and trained in child protection, CPR, and safety procedures.

4. Developmental and Inclusive Safety

Boarding schools in Dehradun usually conduct overall development and inclusive safety. Here is an overview: 

• A Supportive Environment: Respect for diversity has to be part of a safety framework in boarding schools. Students of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities should feel valued and secure. 

• Routine Assessments: Schools in Dehradun should regularly review their facilities, policies, and student well-being for safety through audits and feedback. 

• Life Skills Education: Programs that develop resilience, self-esteem, communication, and decision-making should be integrated into school life. This gives students the tools to negotiate challenges with confidence.

Safety at boarding schools includes many areas, including security from physical threats, support and safety from emotional threats, and technological safety. With support from educators, modern boarding schools are focused on creating a safe and nurturing environment where they can flourish and feel at home. When children are safe, they do better in school and life.

If you are searching for boarding schools in India, you may be pleased to know that many boarding schools in the city have already put in place many safety protocols. The majority of boarding schools in Dehradun have prioritized student safety and have trained youth counsellors who are available on-site for counselling and providing immediate support, regular health check-ups, and more.

Also read: What is a Day Boarding School?