With the recent rise in school shootings, schools across the country have become increasingly concerned about how they can keep students safe. North is no exception. As a school with over 2,000 students entering and leaving the building every day, some kind of system is necessary to prevent violent incidents and protect students and staff members. One of the most noticeable ways they have been attempting to accomplish this goal is through the strict enforcement of their lanyard policy. Unlike last year, there are extremely clear guidelines surrounding lanyards. You must have one around your neck in order to enter the building and it must remain on throughout the school day. Staff members are more consistent in upholding these expectations as well. However, these changes have caused a bit of grumbling among the student population.

The main sentiment behind students’ complaints about lanyards seems to be that they simply don’t want to wear them. It’s understandable why. They can be a bit uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially for students who haven’t been expected to wear one in the past. But ultimately, this minor annoyance is worth it for a safer school environment. The lanyard system allows the school to easily control and monitor who enters and exits the building. Safety risks can be greatly reduced when the staff knows that everyone in the school is actually supposed to be there. Additionally, compared to policies enacted by some other schools, like mandatory metal detector checks and banning the use of backpacks, lanyards are a minimally invasive option. Students still have the liberty to wear almost anything they want to school, just with the addition of a lanyard.

Although students may not realize it, lanyards also contribute to a healthier school climate. Having a visual indicator of whether or not someone is supposed to be in the building can bring a certain peace of mind that people may take for granted. Students don’t have to worry as much about whether they’re in a safe environment when they can easily recognize their peers. Another benefit of lanyards is a sense of unity among the school community. When walking through the halls, each person is immediately identifiable as a fellow student, creating a sense of connectedness, even with strangers.

The stricter enforcement of the school’s lanyard policy has been a bit of an adjustment for some, but in the end, the benefits outweigh the inconvenience of it. The improvements it provides to the safety and climate of the school community are worth a minor annoyance.