A smartwatch is a powerful computer that’s even more portable than a mobile device. Because it’s strapped to the user’s wrist, a smartwatch offers instant accessibility and can provide more targeted services than a phone can — for example, acting as a wearable health monitor.
In the context of K-12 education, the smartwatch can play a critical role in school safety. When a security breach or other dangerous situation arises, teachers can contact each other discreetly, send out a call for help or trigger the school’s alert system.
Let’s look at a few situations where smartwatches provide an essential link in a school’s safety system.
Medical emergencies
According to some estimates, between 10–25% of childhood injuries occur while the child is in school. And with a growing number affected by food allergies — 8% of kids in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — medical emergencies are becoming an even more common occurrence in classrooms. Equipped with a smartwatch, such as Galaxy Watch6, a teacher can respond immediately when a student suffers an injury or a serious allergic reaction. With just a few taps, they can notify the school health team and ensure the child’s parents are made aware of the situation.
Student health and safety
Wearing a smartwatch could be a smart move for students with special needs and health concerns. According to the National Autism Association, about half of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are reported to wander or bolt from safe settings. Because they’re equipped with GPS location, smartwatches can be great tools for finding a student with special needs who has wandered away from teachers and caregivers. Students with chronic medical conditions could also use Galaxy Watch6 to monitor their heart rate or notify an emergency contact if they fall.
Behavioral issues
According to recent research by Education Week, 70% of educators say their students are misbehaving more now than before the pandemic. Today’s teachers must deal with a range of student behavioral issues, from bullying to physical aggression. A smartwatch can help teachers cope with unexpected situations, giving them an avenue to make instant contact with school safety teams.
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Lockdowns
All teachers and administrators want to be prepared for crises such as school shootings and lockdowns. The number of school shootings alone jumped 124% between the 2020–21 and 2022–23 school years. When a serious security breach occurs on campus, teachers need every tool at their disposal to keep students safe. That’s where a smartwatch can provide a direct link from the classroom to school staff and outside emergency services. For example, if a teacher hears gunshots and converts the classroom to lockdown mode, they can use Galaxy Watch6 to send out a schoolwide alert using an app such as CrisisGo — and follow up with details that can inform first responders dealing with the crisis.
“CrisisGo is proud to collaborate on leveraging Samsung’s Galaxy Watch6 to enhance school safety. This innovation empowers teachers and staff with a smartwatch panic solution that is both intuitive and crucial for rapid emergency response. By equipping educators with this solution, we aim to create a safer environment where they can focus on what they do best — educating and nurturing students,” said Jim Spicuzza, Co-Founder and CPO at CrisisGo.
Safety drills and other security situations
Coordinating safety drills between campus buildings and classrooms can be a logistical challenge — but frequent drills are essential to a school’s preparedness. Galaxy Watch6 can help streamline the process by providing teachers with an accessible tool to check in with other teachers and staff. Often, they can also access the school’s safety management system through an app on the device, where they’ll receive instant reminders and notifications. In the event of security situations such as a stranger on campus or even wildlife in the playground, the smartwatch provides a quick point of contact to warn staff and administrators of an unfolding situation.
A smart device like Galaxy Watch6 can be a great addition to a teacher’s toolbox, equipping you to deal with all types of safety situations, from lockdowns to student medical emergencies, more swiftly and efficiently than ever before.
Our Samsung Education team is dedicated to helping your efforts as a curator for your classroom. Check back as we offer more tools, ideas and resources to help teachers on their journey to offer the best experience for their students.
