Clear Backpacks and Student Privacy

Have you ever had one of the fashionable clear backpacks? It might be trending for students, workers, or for recreational use, but it is safer for you to not give robbers the motivation. Whether your backpack is filled with pencils, materials and other school supplies, it might attract the wrong attention. I know that these backpacks seem so helpful because they are transparent for airport or other security searches, especially in high schools that require metal detectors in their schools to strengthen their security. By having clear backpacks, it is an alternative to metal detectors.  

Clear backpacks reduce the risks of threats; it makes the school safer and it places a cost effective solution for schools. With a clear backpack, it is easier to view what’s inside, visibility of your personal items. The downside though is that plastic backpacks are flammable making it another safety hazard in the school. Requiring clear backpacks is a proactive solution by the school, but it can also be seen as an invasion of privacy and overstepping a students' first amendment right. 

There has to be a balanced option. By allowing someone to choose the clear backpack option to prevent book bag searches may be the balance between the safety in schools and the student choice of privacy. There may be a lot of planning involved to determine the preferences of the students, workers or event(s) participants. You might want to create a survey, conduct a report and evaluation to make sure the solution you choose is right. It is Important to cover all bases before implementing a safety solutions policy, such as this one    

At Lishawn Consulting, we know how important it is to do your research before implementing a policy. There needs to be a balance between safety and privacy. Why should the mental detectors be the primary solution? Why not replace them with clear book bags? Make sure you get buy-in first before considering any of these two solutions. For schools, community events or just traveling, having a clear backpack will give you an unfair advantage. It will allow the security to speed up the process. There will be no need for any unreasonable searches. Our CEO likes clear book bags because she is able to find what she needs looking for immediately in her bag.