Paying Kids to Keep Schools Safe

Headlines all over the country read: “In school shooting! When will it end?” Another reads, “Another shooting in the public schools.” The number of school shootings has gone up eighteen percent since 2005. Some schools have started offering rewards for information on students carry weapons to school. I believe this is a great policy to have. Not only will it provide a safer environment, it gives the teachers and students more time to interact, but it also gives kids a feeling of responsibility and duty. Paying to keep schools safe is genius!

First, I think it is a extraordinary policy to have because it allows students and teachers interact more. Other than when a teacher calls on them a student hardly ever talks to a teacher. If the paying students to keep schools safe policy came to our school, it would be a great chance for kids to talk to their teachers about the weapons. When they can talk to teachers about issues like that, then students will feel more comfortable at school. I think if students were more comfortable with teachers they would have a better attitude about school. Wow! Wouldn’t that be great if students would come to school happy and ready to learn?

Also, if schools pay students to tell on each other, then school would be such a  safe place. Not everyone’s house is considered a safe place for them. Sadly, some students are abused and neglected when at home, so school is a safe place for them. It’s a chance for these students to relax and know that they will be safe. When shootings happen, school is no longer a safe haven. Its no longer a place to “get away” from all the outside things. If schools pay their students to keep the schools safe, so many people would feel a lot better. Gee! It would be awesome to know that there is always at least one place for you to go and feel safe, without the constant fear of being shot at.

Thirdly, sometimes putting responsibility on a teenager or kid is good for them. By allowing students to be the ones to speak up about dangers and harms at school, will make them feel of greater importance. They will feel like they can make a difference even at a young age. It will also help students understand that sometimes you have to make hard decisions. It will better prepare them for when they are older and have to make their decisions for themselves. Paying students to keep schools safe is just a fantastic idea!

The opposing side may say, if we pay students to tell on their friends, its wasting money we could use on more important things for their education. This is partially true, it does use money, but it isn’t taking away from our education.  What if one of their children had gotten shot? Huh? They want would be better, a little money used for paying students or the education? So basically what they are saying is that, its better to have our kids shot at then use the money for new books and pay them to tell on each other. This is ludicrous!

In conclusion, paying students to keep schools safe is over all a better idea. It provides a safe environment at school, gives kids some responsibility, and also gives more time for students and teachers to interact. So Principal Smith, I advice you to pay the students to keep the school safe!