On the latest episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga, CEO of M6 Global Defense, discusses the innovative approaches to school safety with Lori Downs, Student Assistance Coordinator, and Chele Gillon, Guidance Counselor from Barren County Public Schools. Inspired by the work of experts like Molly Hudgens and Dr. Peter Langman, Downs and Gillon share insights into the development of their "Student Safety Talk" program, a training initiative designed for students and staff. Recognizing that students often see and hear things before adults do, they emphasize the need to engage young people directly in discussions about safety, including how to report concerns.In their candid conversation, Matranga and his guests highlight the importance of proactive communication with parents. Matranga advises that, even when limited information is available, transparency builds trust and prevents social media from overtaking the narrative. He stresses the value of consistent communication with stakeholders, particularly in situations where timing and clarity are critical.Downs and Gillon also note that much of today's school behavior issues are rooted in social media. Instead of attempting to eliminate it, they encourage parents to engage in positive conversations with their children about social media use, working alongside educators to foster healthy digital habits.In explaining the “Student Safety Talk” program, Downs and Gillon describe how they start engaging students as early as the fifth grade, allowing them to express their thoughts on school safety openly. By creating a safe space for dialogue, they aim to empower students with the knowledge of how to respond if they encounter a potential threat. Matranga commends this initiative, emphasizing the need for schools across the country to adopt similar approaches that involve and educate students, fostering a safer and more connected school environment.

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