Sending your kid off to college is a big deal. College students are entering adulthood, and they’ll be experiencing everything the real world has to offer on their own: being responsible for getting to class on time, navigating difficult meal choices like pizza versus salads and getting along with roommates.
Unfortunately, another thing they might encounter is crime. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there was an increase in victims of violent crimes in the United States among those ages 12 and older from 2016 to 2017.
When your college student is roaming campus, heading out to hang out with friends or studying at home, there are some tools you can equip them with to help them stay safe. Here are five safety devices to provide your child with when they leave the nest.
1. Nocturnal Security Camera
Whether your child lives on campus or off, unwanted guests can appear at their door. Students can view personal security footage with an inconspicuous security camera. Get a model with 4K resolution recording and listen-in audio, so they can monitor visitors and see if any suspicious-looking characters have been scoping out their pad; the white dome camera from Lorex’s Nocturnal line is easy to install and can be placed either indoors or outdoors. If a break-in does occur, they’ll have evidence that might help the case.
2. Portable USB Phone Charger
Having a phone that’s juiced up with battery is vital. Students might need to make an emergency call or use their phone’s flashlight to navigate a dark path. Give your student a portable USB phone charger so they can always stay powered-up. They can also download a smartphone app like the Life360 Family Locator App, which lets family members and chosen contacts see real-time locations on a confidential map.
3. Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is a lightweight self-defense tool that can be carried on a keychain or in a pocket or purse to thwart off attackers. Someone who is being attacked simply unlocks the spray, pushes down and releases a non-lethal inflaming spray onto the attacker’s face. This action temporary blinds the attacker and causes breathing problems, which can help the victim escape and get help.
4. Safety Alarm
Getting attention during an attack can help diffuse the situation, but if a victim’s mouth is being covered or they can’t yell for help, they need another option. Personal safety alarms can alert others that there’s an emergency. They also might startle the attacker. These portable devices can be attached to a keychain and will emit an ear-piercing, attention-grabbing sound when activated.
5. Storage Safe
If your college student will be living with a roomie or several, give them a way to keep their most treasured belongings protected with a storage safe. There are models they can be stored discreetly under a bed, while mini-safes can hold keys and credit cards and be affixed via a tethering cable. Your college student might be taking items like a passport and social security card with them to school, so make sure those valuable items don’t get lost among everything else your kid has with them at their new home.
Gain Peace of Mind With the Right Tools
You can’t control everything your college student does, but you can help them be better protected. Safety-minded devices like security cameras, portable smartphone chargers, pepper spray, safety alarms and safes can be tools that protect your student and their belongings. You can breathe a little easier knowing they’re headed off to college prepared to tackle whatever they encounter.