A new study from the School District of Philadelphia shows what many of us already know: not all students feel safe at school, and the ones who feel least safe are often the ones whose voices go unheard. The Philly School Experience Survey (PSES) collected input from over 50,000 students, and the results were clear. Safety isn’t just about metal detectors or security guards. It’s about clean bathrooms, trusted adults, fair rules, and feeling like you belong. Students talked about feeling unsafe in places like bathrooms, hallways, and schoolyards—especially when there aren’t enough staff around. They also shared how important it is to have teachers and staff who listen, care, and treat students with respect.

What stood out the most? Black students, LGBTQ+ students, English Learners, and students with IEPs all reported feeling less safe at school. Schools with older buildings and fewer resources also had lower safety scores. These aren’t just numbers—these are real experiences reflecting systemic inequality.

So, what can we do? A lot.

We can amplify the voices of students who are too often ignored. We can organize listening sessions, create space for storytelling, and make sure the district knows exactly how we feel. We can push for justice, not more policing. That means training for teachers on de-escalation, more mental health support, and rules that are fair and consistently enforced.

We can also fight for better funding for schools that are falling apart. If we want safe schools, we need buildings that aren’t crumbling and staff who want to stay. YUC can lead the charge by pushing for investment where it’s needed most.

And maybe most importantly, we can build the kind of community we want to see—through peer support, mentorship, and organizing. Safety starts with belonging, and belonging starts with us.
Let’s keep speaking out, showing up, and demanding the schools we deserve.