The Term "safe space" is often one that stirs up controversy. Some feel like today's youth is too sensitive and that there should not be a need for a safe space. But the thing is, why wouldn't we want to create an environment that allows for everyone to feel comfortable?
However, August does not talk about safe spaces being an actual place, but rather an atmosphere. LGBT youth are not always represented or even respected in their school environments.
I don't know about you, but I never learned about safe sex for LGBT people in health class.
Social and psychological development progresses as youth move through our educational system. Not providing a comfortable environment for students that may be seen as different, can ultimately cause the student to feel as though they don't belong in that classroom.
The question is, how do we create an environment for students of all identities to feel comfortable in?
This video demonstrates just how one educator implements this: Creating a Safe Space for Students
One thing that I've realized that may be the most difficult part about creating a safe space in a classroom setting is the fact that it can oddly stir up some controversy. The main problem is not students accepting these spaces, but rather their parents. Inclusion for diverse students will likely inevitably be followed by someone trying to exclude people with identities that are much more different than themselves.
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| And then they end up like this... |
The question is, how do we create an environment for students of all identities to feel comfortable in?
This video demonstrates just how one educator implements this: Creating a Safe Space for Students
One thing that I've realized that may be the most difficult part about creating a safe space in a classroom setting is the fact that it can oddly stir up some controversy. The main problem is not students accepting these spaces, but rather their parents. Inclusion for diverse students will likely inevitably be followed by someone trying to exclude people with identities that are much more different than themselves.
I think that the reason why safe spaces are so controversial is because people don't understand the point of them. Many people think that safe spaces enable people to stay in their bubble and never hear anyone else's points of views. But really they are intended to be used as a break from hearing views that might be hurtful or insulting.
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