Find Resources to Create a Safer School
SchoolSafety.gov was created by the federal government to provide schools and districts with actionable recommendations to create safe and supportive learning environments for students and educators.
Latest News
CDC Releases Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023, which describes recent data and trends on adolescent behaviors and experiences in key areas. Data presented in the report highlights high school students' behaviors and experiences in 2023, changes from 2021 to 2023, and 10-year trends, focusing on issues such as substance use, experiences of violence, mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Learn More
SchoolSafety.gov is Now on Facebook
SchoolSafety.gov launched a new Facebook page as part of the site’s continued efforts to share information and resources on a range of school safety topics. Through the page, members of the K-12 community and the general public can receive regular updates on school safety guidance, grant opportunities, tools, and timely announcements. Explore the Page
SchoolSafety.gov Launches 2024 Back-to-School Campaign
SchoolSafety.gov launched the 2024 Back-to-School Campaign to help support K-12 school leaders, educators, staff, and parents and caregivers in preparing for a safe return to school. The campaign highlights a range of resources and actions K-12 communities can consider to create and sustain safe and supportive learning environments this school year and beyond. Learn More
CISA Opens Registration for 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) opened registration for the 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, scheduled to take place on September 25 and 26. The Summit is a virtual event that brings together K-12 school leaders and practitioners to discuss and share actionable recommendations that enhance safe and supportive learning environments. This year’s Summit will feature sessions covering violence prevention, emergency planning, youth online safety, student mental wellness, K-12 cybersecurity and student interventions and support. Register
HHS Announces Grant Awards to Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, announced grant awards totaling $45.1 million to expand mental health and substance use services. $15.3 million of these grant awards will fund services specifically for children and youth, through supporting their mental health in school settings, serving children and families who have experienced traumatic events and grief, and providing services to young people who are at risk for, or have, serious mental health conditions. Learn More
DHS Announces Membership to New Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the inaugural members of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, a group of school safety experts and education leaders that will provide advice and recommendations on practical ways to enhance K-12 school safety and security. The Board builds upon the federal government’s efforts to support K-12 communities in creating safer, more supportive learning environments and fulfills a key requirement of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Board will advise on the implementation of evidence-based school safety practices and propose additional best practices for publication on SchoolSafety.gov. Learn More
Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force Announces Recommendations and Best Practices for Safe Internet Use
The Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force, co-led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, released a new report with recommendations and best practices for safer social media and online platform use for youth. The report, Online Health and Safety for Children and Youth: Best Practices for Families and Guidance for Industry, provides a summary of the risks and benefits of social media on the health, safety, and privacy of young people; best practices for parents and caregivers; recommended practices for industry; a research agenda; and suggested future work, including for the federal government. Read More
Resource Spotlight
Explore These Ten Back-to-School Safety Resources
SchoolSafety.gov’s new Back-to-School Reading List outlines ten resources that provide guidance and insights on timely K-12 school safety issues. These resources can help inform school safety plans and initiatives and cover topics such as bullying prevention, student mental health, cybersecurity, emergency planning, and more.
School Safety Topics
Access the following topics for resources, guidance, and information to help you create a safer school. From each of these topic pages, you can sort resources available based upon stages of preparedness and subtopics.
Upcoming Opportunities
Learn about upcoming events, grants, and other opportunities for your school or district.
Discover upcoming school safety events and grants below to help support your school’s or school district’s safety efforts.
Grants
August
26
Stronger Connections Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Grant Program
Learn More
December
31
Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV)
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Events
September 12, November 20, 2024, and January 15, 2025
Enhancing School Safety Using Behavioral Threat Assessment
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September
12
Creating a Culture of Support: Enhancing Staff Resilience in Emergency Situations Webinar
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