HOUSTON – As kids head back to school, many families are focused on school supplies, new teachers, schedules, and getting back into a routine.
But safety experts say one of the most important back-to-school conversations has nothing to do with homework.
It is about making sure children know when — and how — to speak up if something does not feel right.
Experts say building a culture of school safety does not start after a crisis. It starts with everyday conversations at home.
Why speaking up matters
On any given school day, classrooms and campuses are places where students learn, make friends, and build relationships.
But sometimes, a friend or classmate may be the first person to notice when something changes.
Safety experts say when students feel comfortable saying, “Something doesn’t seem right,” that moment of speaking up can make a difference.
The goal is to help children understand that reporting a concern is not about getting someone in trouble. It is about keeping people safe.
Start with the school handbook
One of the first steps families can take each school year is reviewing their school’s safety information.
Experts recommend parents understand campus expectations, learn how students can report concerns, and know whether anonymous reporting options are available.
Families should:
- Know school safety policies
- Learn how to report concerns
- Review anonymous reporting options
Understanding those resources can help children feel more prepared if they ever see or hear something concerning.
Threat reporting can help schools respond earlier
The Texas Education Agency says schools across the state received more than 77,000 reports of potential threats last school year.
Fewer than 6% required law enforcement action, while nearly 30% resulted in mental health or counseling referrals.
Texas school safety data:
- More than 77,000 threat reports
- Fewer than 6% required law enforcement action
- Nearly 30% resulted in counseling or mental health referrals
- Source: Texas Education Agency
Experts say those numbers show why early reporting matters. A concern that is shared early may allow schools to connect students with support, address problems, and prevent situations from escalating.
Parents can ask more than “How was school?”
Safety experts encourage families to ask questions that go beyond grades and homework.
Simple conversations can help parents better understand what is happening in their child’s daily life.
Questions to consider:
- Who did you sit with at lunch?
- How was everyone’s mood today?
- Did anyone seem left out or upset?
- What’s happening in your group chats?
These conversations help children feel comfortable talking about their experiences — and the experiences of their classmates.
What to do if a child reports a threat
If a child shares a threatening text message, social media post, or other concerning information, experts recommend parents take immediate steps.
Families should:
- Thank the child for speaking up
- Save evidence by taking screenshots
- Avoid deleting messages or posts
- Report concerns to school officials
- Contact law enforcement if there is an immediate danger
Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, says students often have information before adults do.
“Students are the first line of intelligence,” Mankarious said. “By the time other people know, usually something’s happened.”
She says empowering students to share concerns is one of the most important ways communities can work together to keep schools safe.
Keep the conversation going all year
Before the first day of school, experts recommend families also understand their district’s cell phone policies and know how communication works during the school day.
Parents should:
- Identify trusted adults at school
- Review reporting options
- Know the school’s cell phone policy
- Keep safety conversations going
School safety is not just about cameras, locked doors, or emergency plans.
Experts say it also comes down to relationships — between students, families, educators, and the people responsible for protecting school communities.
A simple question like, “Who do you trust at school?” can open the door to a conversation that helps students feel supported and reminds them that speaking up can help keep themselves and their classmates safe.