Even with all the new security mandates, schools across Texas are still experiencing violence. From bullying to guns fired, the sense of security we long for in our schools has been challenging at best and quickly disintegrating at worst. 

The National Center for Education Statistics found that almost 20% of students during the 2021-22 school year reported being bullied. That number is actually much higher, as only half of the kids bullied report it to an adult, according to the National Bullying Center. In extreme cases, this action can cause children to act out and hurt others or themselves. Studies also show that students exposed to bullying experience more stress and depression and tend to be undisciplined.

A high school in McAllen went into lockdown in March 2024 when an altercation resulted in one student heading to the hospital and another taken into custody. From about 2018 to 2021, the number of violent crimes increased by 33% in McAllen, TX. 

Whether we’re looking at an increase in guns or the continued rise in bullying, it’s clear that the continued search for the underlying cause and the possible solutions to school violence needs to continue. One of the advancements in this arena is using security cameras with AI learning and enhanced video analytics technology.

Let’s explore how some schools throughout Texas use these cameras to reduce violence in their schools.

Access controls have been used in schools for several years now, but some still don’t quite understand their value or even how they work. In this blog, we’ll go back to the beginning and discuss what access control is and how it can help Harlingen, TX, schools protect students and staff.

School campus safety is a top priority for Texas educators, parents, and administrators. With the rise of active shooter events nationwide, decision-makers must explore how modern security systems can mitigate and even prevent these tragic incidents. 

This guide examines well-known active shooter events in American history and discusses how advanced security technologies could have made a difference. We aim to provide actionable insights for K-12 school administrators in Harlingen and the surrounding region.

Schools across Texas are adopting cutting-edge technologies and redefining their security protocols to better protect students and staff. As threats have evolved, so must the strategies used to protect learning spaces. Among the many available solutions, access control stands out as a way to truly make a difference in reshaping the dynamics of school safety. Continue reading to learn how other schools in McAllen, TX, use access control to increase safety.