A recent editorial by the Youngstown Vindicator:

This month is, for the first time, School Safety Month in Ohio. State officials kicked off what they hope will be an annual event with this year’s theme “Know School Safety, Know Your Role — It’s Everyone’s Responsibility.” It’s a bit of a mouthful, but the idea is important.

Too often we assume safety is someone else’s problem.

“Students, staff, parents and guardians all have an important role in promoting school safety by following safety procedures and reporting concerns,” said Emily Torok, executive director of the Ohio School Safety Center. “It is important to balance sufficient building security with a healthy, nurturing school environment that reassures students that although there is a possibility of violence occurring at school, the probability of a school experiencing a high-profile violent act is extremely low.”

To that end, school officials are spending October focusing on comprehensive safety, emotional safety, physical safety and knowing your role. They will be discussing topics such as how to stop bullying, “kindness matters” and bus safety as well. But perhaps one of the more important developments is the emphasis on reporting potential problems with the Safer Ohio School tip line, available by calling or texting 844-723-3764 (844-SaferOH).

We all want our kids to learn and grow in schools where they feel and ARE safe. That can’t be something we leave in someone else’s hands. It is up to all of us. We might spend October talking about it, but we’ve got to do our part all year long.

— Youngstown Vindicator, October 13, 2022