Licensed Two-Way Radios Could Reduce Safety Risks for 93% of UK Primary and Secondary Schools

According to the latest data from Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, only 7% of primary and secondary schools in the country are utilizing licensed two-way radio devices for effective two-way communication. This indicates that the majority, or 93%, of schools either rely on license-free radios, cellular devices, or do not utilize any specific two-way communication tools.

Of the total 24,996 primary and secondary schools in the UK, only 1,762 schools possess an active business radio license with Ofcom. It's worth noting that 249 of these licenses were issued in the year 2023, indicating some recent uptake in obtaining licenses for two-way radio communication within educational institutions.

Effective two-way communication is crucial in an educational environment, especially concerning safety and security. With the increasing prevalence of violent and threatening behaviors, schools require robust communication tools to mitigate incidents of abuse, violence, and potential trespassing.

The escalation in violence and other threats is evident from a survey conducted among over 6,500 NASUWT members. The survey revealed that 89% of respondents reported a significant increase in physical and verbal abuse from students over the past 12 months. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for schools to implement effective communication systems to address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of students and staff.

The challenges faced by teachers in managing student behavior are evident from reports detailing incidents of physical aggression. Teachers have reported incidents where they've had furniture thrown at them, been bitten, spat at, headbutted, punched, and kicked. These instances not only pose a threat to the physical safety of teachers but also significantly impact their mental well-being.

Furthermore, approximately 18% of respondents indicated needing time off work due to the stress and mental health concerns resulting from such behavior. This highlights the profound toll that managing challenging behavior takes on teachers' overall health and ability to perform their duties effectively.

Moreover, the data suggests that there is room for improvement in how schools address poor behavior. Only 15% of teachers reported that appropriate action was taken by their school when incidents of misconduct were reported. This indicates a gap in the support and response systems within educational institutions, underscoring the need for better strategies to address and prevent challenging behavior effectively.

Licensed radios offer several advantages over license-free alternatives:

1. Secure Frequencies: Licensed radios operate on secure Ofcom frequencies, ensuring reliable and interference-free communication.

2. Better Coverage Range: Licensed radios typically have a better coverage range compared to license-free alternatives, providing broader communication coverage within school premises or across larger areas.

3. Safety Features: Licensed radios often come with a range of safety features not found on license-free radios, such as discreet panic alarms or device location tracking. These features enable schools to react quickly to incidents or even prevent them altogether.

4. Instant Communication: Unlike mobile phones, communication with licensed radios is always instant, without any delay waiting for someone to pick up on the other end. This immediate communication can be critical in emergency situations.

Regarding the expert comment from Thomas Bradley of Eemits Communications:

- Schools using licensed radios can leverage advanced features like panic alarms and device tracking to respond swiftly to incidents or prevent them.
- Schools using license-free radios should be aware of potential risks, such as other users in the area utilizing the same radio channels, which could pose safety and safeguarding concerns.

Indeed, license-free radios come with certain limitations compared to licensed radios:

1. Safety Feature Limitations: License-free radios may have limited or less advanced safety features compared to licensed radios, potentially impacting the ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

2. Unreliable Coverage: License-free radios may have less reliable coverage, especially in areas with obstacles or interference, which could hinder communication reliability.

3. Lower Build Quality: License-free radios may have a lower build quality compared to licensed radios, leading to a shorter lifespan and potentially requiring more frequent replacements or repairs.

Considering these limitations, it's crucial for schools to take into account all factors, including safety considerations, when choosing communication devices. While budget constraints and other factors may influence decisions, prioritizing safety and reliability is paramount to ensure effective communication and response to emergencies within the school environment.