A single, well-trained school liaison officer rotating between schools could help – not as an enforcer, but as a relationship builder. Their job would be to notice early warning signs, connect students to support and de-escalate potential harm before it escalates. Prevention matters as much as reaction.

But officers alone cannot replace the essential human connections within schools.

Teachers, counsellors, social workers and behavioural specialists form the backbone of a truly safe environment. Students need adults they can trust – not only for emergencies but for guidance, mentorship and emotional support every day.

Investing in Mental Health

One of the most overlooked aspects of school safety is mental health infrastructure. Many schools, especially in smaller or rural communities, have limited access to counsellors or psychologists.

Early identification and consistent support can prevent crises before they occur.

When students feel seen and supported, isolation decreases, conflicts are less likely to escalate and warning signs are more easily detected. Safety isn’t just about preventing physical harm – it’s about protecting mental and emotional well-being too.

Community as a Safety Net

Schools do not exist in isolation. Families, neighbours, local agencies and community organizations are part of the safety ecosystem. Partnerships can provide mentorship, after-school programs and additional layers of support.

Smaller communities like Tumbler Ridge already have strong social fabrics; leveraging these networks can strengthen safety in ways that technology alone cannot.

Safety is relational and relationships are cultivated over time – not installed overnight.

Shifting the Conversation

When tragedy strikes, policy debates often dominate the headlines. But safety is as much about culture and care as it is about policy. Creating spaces where students feel connected, heard and supported reduces risk far more effectively than walls or security cameras alone.

Preventative, human-centered strategies do not replace emergency procedures. Instead, they complement them – building resilience, trust and connection into the daily life of schools. A student who feels supported is less likely to engage in risky behaviour. A teacher who feels backed by resources can intervene with clarity and confidence.

We ask how to make schools safe. But perhaps the better question is:

What does a school look like when children feel protected, cared for and valued – every day, not just in a crisis?

Safety begins not at the gates, but in the relationships, systems and culture within the school community. Investing in these human connections may be slower than installing metal detectors, but it is far more lasting.

Because at the end of the day, true safety is about being seen, being supported and being connected – and that is a lesson we can all teach.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Karla Pearce

PEARCE: Beyond fear – how schools can support safety

The Limits of Enforcement

Investing in Mental Health

Community as a Safety Net

Shifting the Conversation

Our Community