How Students Really Feel About Safety in Their Community

When we talk about creating safer communities for young people, who are we actually listening to? This compelling action research project puts students at the heart of the conversation, exploring their genuine perceptions of safety both in their local neighbourhood and within their school environment.

Conducted with five secondary school students from diverse backgrounds in London, this study demonstrates the power of giving young people a genuine voice in decisions that directly affect their daily lives. Rather than making assumptions about what students need, researcher Ameda Harris created space for authentic dialogue about safety concerns, community strengths, and practical solutions.

The findings reveal a complex picture that challenges many adult assumptions. While students appreciate supportive teachers and community events that bring families together, they also highlighted specific safety concerns that adults might overlook. From reports of strangers approaching children after school to inadequate lunch provisions for vegetarian students, their insights paint a detailed picture of their lived experiences.

What makes this research particularly valuable is its practical approach. The students didn't just identify problems – they suggested concrete solutions. Their recommendations ranged from increased CCTV coverage and police patrols to encouraging buddy systems for walking home after extracurricular activities. These aren't abstract policy suggestions; they're real-world solutions from the people who navigate these spaces every day.

The research also highlights the importance of basic needs being met. Students spoke candidly about lunch provisions, noting how inadequate vegetarian options forced some to spend their own money or go hungry. These seemingly simple issues have profound impacts on wellbeing and sense of belonging within the school community.

Beyond the immediate findings, this project demonstrates how action research can bridge the gap between adult intentions and young people's realities. It shows that when we create genuine opportunities for student participation, we gain insights that can transform how we approach community safety and school policies.

The methodology itself offers a blueprint for other educators and researchers wanting to center young voices in their work. By using focus groups and semi-structured interviews, the research created conditions where students could speak freely about their experiences and contribute meaningfully to solutions.

This research reminds us that young people aren't just recipients of safety measures – they're active community members with valuable perspectives on creating environments where everyone can thrive.