College Safety 101

Risks Facing College Students

While schools and universities work cooperatively with campus police and local law enforcement to create a safe environment, there are inherent risks every college student faces. According to research from the College Parents of America, an organization comprised of parents of current and future college students, college isn’t an inherently dangerous place, but students are vulnerable in a number of ways. In addition to the increased stress and anxiety of living up to expectations and getting good grades, students face issues regarding homesickness, peer pressure, and issues related to involvement in romantic relationships. In addition to emotional issues, there are certain crimes that are common on college campuses. These include:

• Property loss due to theft and burglaries
• Property damage and injuries due to fires
• Identity theft
• Physical and sexual assault or harassment by other students

In order to prevent these types of crimes, college students should be sure to keep their dorm rooms locked and their property secure, avoid cooking or burning candles in dorm rooms, and take steps to prevent identity theft by frequently changing internet passwords and guarding their personal information. The majority of campuses throughout South Carolina offer extensive services to students involved in abusive relationships, as well as peer mediation to settle disputes. Campus police should always be notified of any type of problem a student is experiencing or any incidents that occur on or off campus.

College Drinking

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Issues related to drinking and alcohol use create serious problems on nearly every college campus. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, problems related to alcohol use not only have the potential to cause serious injury for college students, but also are a major contributing factor in crime and accidental death. Dangers associated with alcohol abuse by college students include:

• Unintentional injury, such as slips, trips, and falls
• Assault or sexual abuse by a student who has been drinking
• Health problems and decline in grades or attendance in classes due to abuse of alcohol
• Depression and suicide attempts due to the fact that alcohol is a depressant
• Drunk driving accidents
• Vandalism and destruction of property by students who are under the influence

Speak frankly with college students about the potential problems associated with alcohol abuse, and encourage them to seek help on campus for alcohol-related issues

Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys

At Anastopoulo Law Firm we wish all returning students success in the coming school year. By following our safety tips and taking the appropriate precautions, you can have a safe school year, full of positive experiences. Our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys are here for both students and their parents in the event of accident or injuries. With offices in Charleston and throughout South Carolina, we’re just a phone call away. Call us today with any questions you may have, or to get a free review of your case.