Our State of Education

School Safety Through Students’ Eyes

Episode Summary

Sept. 14, 2026 ~ School safety is often discussed in terms of policies, procedures, and headlines. But for students, safety is personal. Safety influences whether students feel welcomed, supported, and able to focus on learning. It shapes how they move through school buildings, how they interact with adults, and how they experience their communities. In this episode of Our State of Education, high school students share what safety means to them. This conversation explores a wide range of issues under the umbrella of school safety, including school security measures, mental health supports, relationships with trusted adults, transportation, and the lasting impact of high-profile school violence on young people across Michigan. Hear directly from students as they share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas for creating schools where every young person feels secure, supported, and ready to learn.