Government and Politics
October 3, 2022
From: Ohio Governor Mike DeWineColumbus, Ohio -- On Oct 1st, marks the start of Ohio’s first annual Ohio School Safety Month.
Earlier this year, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 583, sponsored by Representatives Adam C. Bird and Don Jones, which officially designated October as Ohio School Safety Month.
“This month is an opportunity for schools to increase public awareness of school safety programs and policies," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "I encourage all Ohioans to work together to keep Ohio schools safe for students to learn and grow."
The Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) developed the theme "Know School Safety, Know Your Role – It’s Everyone’s Responsibility" for October's activities.
“Students, staff, parents, and guardians all have an important role in promoting school safety by following safety procedures and reporting concerns,” said Emily Torok, OSSC Executive Director. “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.”
In recognition of Ohio School Safety Month, OSSC has also developed weekly themes to help schools highlight resources within their schools and communities and to provide an opportunity to engage with students, staff, parents, guardians, and community members on their school safety programs.
Other highlights of Ohio School Safety Month include:
Students, parents, and community members can use the free Safer Ohio School Tip Line to anonymously report threats to schools or students’ safety. The tip line is available by calling or texting 844-723-3764 (844-SaferOH).
The OSSC urges students, parents, and community members to report concerns immediately to authorities or to a school tip line instead of sharing viral social media posts. Reporting it to proper authorities will ensure the information gets to someone who can investigate it. Sharing posts on social media does not guarantee it will be received by authorities.
Governor DeWine developed the Ohio School Safety Center within the Ohio Department of Public Safety to be a comprehensive, statewide office focused exclusively on enhancing the safety of Ohio schools. In addition to maintaining and promoting the Safer Ohio School Tip Line, the center assists schools and first responders in preventing, preparing for, and responding to threats and acts of violence including self-harm. Staff also proactively scans social media and websites to identify threats against schools.