Tech Savvy Safety Tips
By: Kara Harper
The classic college experiences of being away from home, and being free to do what you please, are undoubtably an exciting and eye-opening time. But, with the staggering statistics of crimes that occur on college campuses, it can also come with a fear about the dangers that lie outside our doors. The most common safety suggestion that’s been drilled into us, is the idea of using the buddy system, and never leaving a friend behind. And while it’s an effective approach to safety, the problem lies in the hectic schedules college students juggle today, where there are bound to be times when it’s simply not an option. The good news, however, is that there are a number of other safety tips and tricks that can help get you from point A to point B with a sure sense of security. And they exist right within the palm of our hands.
In today’s world, technology is constantly within our reach, and with that comes a number of quick and easy safety features we can put to use. One such feature is “Location Services” on smart phones can let share your location with the friends and family of your choosing, to let them know where you are at any given moment. Whether you’re walking home from a late-night study session or going out to meet up with friends. Turning on, and sharing, your location can allow those around you to act as a watchful eye.
Another approach to staying safe comes from the multitude of downloadable apps that work as a type of social network for safety. One of these apps is Circle of 6 that allows you to form a group of friends who, at the push a button, will be informed that you’re in a dangerous situation and be given an exact GPS location for find you. Another app called bSafe enables you to press a button that will sound an alarm, while simultaneously recording a video of the situation. The app then notifies the contacts of your choosing, as well as local authorities, providing them with your location and the video recording.
The unfortunate truth is that there’s no shortage of news about the dangers one can encounter when travelling alone at night, but it’s important not to let fear control us. But rather take control over the things we fear. Hopefully these few safety tips will help you walk more soundly home at night without fear hanging over your head.
Kara Harper '18 is an English and Philosophy major, who endeavors to pursue her education after graduation towards and advanced degree.