College students are excited to be back on campus, throwing reunion parties before buckling down to work. High school students are making new friends and seeking new independence. It’s football season for many schools, which means weekends are spent tailgating or attending school-sanctioned events. Late nights studying can also result in students walking back to their dorm alone or driving home from a friend's house. Even walking your dog or a jog during your free time can put your safety at risk if done in a remote area.
The personal safety experts at Krav Maga Worldwide prepare men and women of all ages, even children, to be situationally aware and safer in any environment; they even provide self-defense training to over 1,000 US law enforcement agencies and military units—the experts know what they're talking about. Here are five personal safety methods they recommend for high school and college students.
1. Be trackable
Leave a physical and digital trail of your destination when you head out on your own. Leave a note in your dorm or apartment for your roommates or your parents at home stating when you are leaving, where you are going, who you might be going with, and when you plan on returning. You can also download an app that informs family and friends of your location. Many have an emergency SOS feature you can activate if you encounter trouble.
2. Put your head on a swivel
Don’t walk around campus or your hometown with your head down. You should stay aware of who and what is around you at all times. Naturally look to your left, right, and over your shoulders on occasion to get a full view of who is around you and what is happening. Also, to remain aware of your environment, avoid texting while walking. If you have to text, you should stop, put your back against a wall (to reduce your “domain of danger”), type and send your text, and then be on your way again.
Related: 6 Ways to Stay Safe on Your Way to Night Classes
3. Make eye contact
When you cross paths with another person, look that person in the face and make eye contact. It lets them know you have seen them and will remember what they look like. This can deter someone with negative intentions because, in an unplanned attack, they want an unsuspecting victim they will be anonymous to when repercussions come down on them, not someone who knows their face.
4. Turn down the tunes
Music is a great motivator during a workout, but if you’re walking or running with your music on high volume, it’s easy to miss what is happening around you. Keep your music volume at a level where you can hear if someone is approaching you on foot, on a bike, or in a vehicle. Alternatively, invest in a pair of earbuds with a feature that allows ambient noise to filter into your headphones with your music. This will give you the best of your tunes and your safety.
5. Go hands-free
Someone walking on campus with their arms full of books, a phone in hand, and other gear or devices encumbering their ability to move and use their hands in defense is an easy target. Having your hands and arms full of items makes it hard to fight back, and people with bad intentions will be looking for an easy victim like this. It’s best to keep everything in your bag and your hands free.
Related: How to Stay Safe on Your College Campus
Prioritizing safety requires a lot of the responsibility to come down to students safeguarding themselves. By incorporating these smart practices into their daily routines, students can empower themselves to navigate potential risks more effectively. Ultimately, fostering a culture of safety around yourself not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to a more secure and supportive academic environment for all.
Did you know caring about your safety is not only smart but lucrative? Check out some safety-themed scholarship opportunities that dedicate their awards to promoting awareness for critical wellness campaigns.
