Metal detectors at school

Security should be considered the most significant priority when it comes to schools. When students arrive at the building, the administration must ensure they are safe when entering and leaving the institution. Nowadays, the safety of students has become a more significant concern, especially with recent events.

“I’m glad the school is taking more serious measures to protect us. I used to be terrified to come to school, although I still am a little, the metal detectors make me feel a bit safer,” said Deerfield Beach High School junior Auriel Niel.

In response to previous tragic incidents, Broward County has taken more measures to ensure the safety and security of its students and staff; after the school board agreed, two to four metal detectors were installed in each high school, and mandatory metal detector screenings were implemented for the 2024-2025 school year. Despite encountering challenges during the process, the school administration remains dedicated to creating a safe and protected environment for everyone within the school, from the students to the teachers.                          

“I’m not against the metal detectors; I’m glad they are taking action,” said DBHS junior Jordin Juste. “My issue is the issues it creates sometimes. There are long lines, people skipping, and sometimes getting to class late. They [metal detectors] are a good idea, but they poorly executed it.” 

Some students argue that installing metal detectors on school premises has resulted in more issues. On the first day of the school term, many students could not reach their classes on time, which was caused by overcrowding and technical malfunctions at the metal detectors. This caused inconvenience and disruption at the start of the academic year, which immediately caused many negative views toward the new addition to the schools.

“It is great to see the schools taking things more seriously,” said DBHS junior Amanda Namor. “I just hope this is a permanent solution rather than a temporary one. They seem to work right now, but I worry about people finding alternative ways to get in.”

It has been around 25 years since the tragedy at Columbine, and it wasn’t the last. Hundreds of tragedies followed, eventually leading schools to take more security measures, from more cameras to even bag searches. Although it may seem extreme, it is done to return students safely to their parents’ arms.

Written by Jennifer Landaverde | Graphic Designed by Jennifer Landaverde

Published September 19, 2023 | ePathfinder | Perspectives