Due to increasingly frequent violence in schools - as well as the increase of natural disasters due to climate change - educational institutions are prioritizing staff and student safety more than ever, thus investing more in security measures and technology.

These days, technology can be exceptionally effective without being intrusive; installing high fences with barbed wire, metal detectors at entrances, and filling a school campus with armed security teams is no longer necessary; security solutions for schools can now improve school safety and encourage an environment conducive to learning without instilling worry and fear.

Educational institutions now have numerous choices when considering school security tools. Undoubtedly, there are privacy concerns, but many members of an academic community prefer to log in their presence or be video recorded if it means that they are safe and well-protected. 

Here are several of the new and innovative technologies that are advancing school onsite security.

1. Access Management

Access management involves using specific management software for managing visitors attending a school complex; all entries and exits from school property are recorded in a log that can include video security recording. 

An access management system substitutes the need for signing in on a piece of paper that can be misplaced or mishandled. These systems keep a log and can integrate intelligent ID cards or digital access using digital credentials or access codes sent directly to a smartphone; when a visitor leaves, the digital code can be automatically removed. 

Access management software can also be connected to cloud servers for data storage and remote operation; door locks, notifications, security viewing, and more can be activated and operated with a simple click. 

2. Smart ID

Many school complexes already use student and staff ID cards, but schools can take measures a step further with the use of intelligent cards with embedded memory chips.

These smart cards can provide access to various offices, classrooms, laboratories, sporting amenities, and areas and can be used as school bus passes, library cards, or debit cards.

3. Security Video Monitoring

School security cameras have been around for some time, but a new generation of video technology is outclassing traditional CCTV or closed-circuit television. 

IP (Internet protocol) cameras offer improved resolution and higher frame rates; they provide better detailing so security personnel and authorities can note facial and physical features, license plate numbers, and clothing details - they can also detect smoke and movement. 

When paired with AI software, these systems can detect suspect objects and behavior, triggering alarms and sending alerts to administrators and security teams. The new generation of security cameras can also tilt or follow people to cover a wider area for security purposes.

4. Notification Systems

Want to get a message out quickly regarding an impending threat? Emergency notification systems permit administrators to text or call every student and staff member simultaneously in seconds. 

Whether a natural disaster, a fire, a violent intruder, or a terrorist attack, an automated notification system can inform everyone on campus about an emergency; where the incident is taking place, how to best deal with the threat, and any other key information.

Even if only some students have a smartphone or if only a handful of students keep their phone turned on, technology can now send alerts to every school desktop computer regarding any emergency (and let’s face it, bad news travels fast - in this case, thankfully).

5. Safety Apps

When unaccompanied on a school campus, a security officer won’t always be in the immediate area; iIf a student or staff member feels threatened or witnesses suspicious behavior, it could be challenging to alert authorities - until now. 

Digital apps are revolutionizing the security sector. Smartphone personal safety apps permit campus members to connect rapidly with security personnel; these apps also allow people to report crimes anonymously that they might otherwise be uninclined to report.  

Some safety apps even permit discreet video and audio recording and can send positions so that emergency services can arrive at a precise location; this kind of information can also be securely stored for future reference.

6. Sensor Technology

To improve security, educational institutions can implement a variety of sensor technologies, from smart lighting that turns on when movement is detected to noise sensors to contrast break-ins.

Advanced sensor technology can monitor smoke, carbon monoxide, radon, and even air quality - the possibilities are virtually endless.

Final Thoughts

New school security measures enable greater personal safety than ever, with improved video recording, mapping out entire campuses, and so much more.

Access management and smart credentials aid in ensuring that those who enter school premises are authorized and have a reason for doing so; thanks to smartphones, GPS monitoring can help pinpoint persons needing emergency assistance, and mass notification systems can keep everyone apprised of an emergency.

Technological advancements provide numerous safety improvement tools so that, with various tools and strategies, schools can be safer than ever before.

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.

Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.