Host: What steps can I take to help keep my child safe in school? Dr. Hayley Sherwood: Creating safer schools requires a cooperative effort by the school, the students, the parents and the community. By taking action parents show that they are doing everything possible to keep their child safe. Find out about the safety plan at your child school, it should include rules about keeping weapons out of school as well as ways to address violence. One of the most important parts of a school safety plan is the school's commitment not to tolerate bullying and other forms of violence. Talk with your child about the school discipline policy, show your support for the rules and help your child understand the reasons for following them. Listen to your child, if he or she shares information about peers who may be exhibiting troubling behaviors or who might be planning a violent act. Let your child know it is important to tell a trusted adult a principal, a teacher, a school psychologist or counselor and help your child to do so. 1