School shootings in the U.S. are a growing concern, particularly in primary and secondary schools. The 2021–22 school year recorded 327 incidents, the highest since 2000, representing a 124% rise from the prior year. Between 2000 and 2022, these shootings resulted in 515 deaths and 1,161 injuries. Efforts to address this crisis include implementing school safety measures, enhancing mental health support, and debating stricter gun control policies.

K-12 School Shooting Database. (n.d.). School shootings Tracking incidents and casualties in the United States https://www.k12ssdb.org/

UNESCO. (n.d.). Safe learning environments: Preventing and addressing violence in and around school. https://www.unesco.org/en/health-education/safe-learning-environments

Australian teachers rate the safety and orderliness of their schools higher than the international average (78% compared to 62%), reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance safe primary school environments (Thomson et al., 2019).

Thomson, S., Wernert, N., O’Grady, E., & Rodrigues, S. (2019). Australia’s teaching and learning international survey (TALIS) 2018 results report. ACER. ://research.acer.edu.au/talis/

The 'Achievement Program' in Victoria supported schools in addressing health and wellbeing through a whole-school approach. Data from the program highlights that schools implementing the framework report improved student engagement, reduced bullying incidents, and enhanced overall wellbeing. For example, schools participating in the program have shown a 20% reduction in bullying incidents and a 15% increase in student satisfaction surveys

Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Achievement Program: Schools. State Government of Victoria.

https://www.achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au/education/schools

A safe environment reduces anxiety and distractions, allowing students to focus on learning

Schools with safe sensory spaces and calming areas help students manage stress and regulate emotions

Safe environments ensure that all students, including those with disabilities or from diverse cultural backgrounds, feel valued and included.

Department of Education and Training Victoria. (n.d.). Safe and supportive school environments. State Government of Victoria. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/health/Pages/default.aspx

However, despite these challenges, I did feel physically safe at school, thanks to measures like secure fencing and the constant presence of teachers, which allowed me as a 10-year-old to feel confident enough to speak up about the bullying.

1. One thing you would continue

Creating student teacher relationships to enhance not only learning but for the student to feel comfortable and supportive

1. One thing you would adapt/change

   we think primary schools would benefit from slowly incorporate real-life situation when learning about realistic issues that may occur to students when transiting to high school or just life in general so when it is time, so they know what to do instead of just feeling like a lost fish.

2. One thing you would drop

   one thing we think should be dropped is the stigma where primary school student is too young to be learning about certain issues. as a teacher it is our duty to make, the students feel safe so by telling them the truth about the world and how they can go about for support they can feel a bit more confident about stepping into the real world.

• Healthy Eating and Oral Health

• Physical Activity and Movement

• Sexual Health and Wellbeing

• Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Sun Protection

• Safe Environments

• Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Each health area has a set of targets to achieve, resulting in healthy changes to your school's physical environment, policies and practices, and health promoting activities.