Avoiding potential danger can be difficult with crime rates increasing on college campuses. Thankfully, there are safety apps that can prevent threats from happening while also providing some peace of mind.
By Madison Amirehteshami
As a student, you may have to enroll in late-night classes, find your way home after a party, or pull an all-nighter at the library. Given how unnerving it can feel walking through a dark and deserted campus alone, here are three apps to optimize your safety.
Circle of 6
Available on iPhone and Android
Free download
Subscription: N/A
Description:
Circle of 6 lets you pick six trusted connections (friends, parents, partners) and text them preset messages about your safety. The app sends your GPS location along with your text so that one of your trusted connections can pick you up. You can feel more secure with your trusted circle on hand to prevent potential violence before it can occur, both on campus or during a night out.
Features:
- Ask your circle to pick you up with your exact GPS location
- Request someone to call or text you
- Links to safety-related information
- Direct access to a variety of national hotlines
Best for:
When you’re out late and lose track of your friends, use the “come and get me” message to send them your exact location. Or maybe you’re on a first date that’s taken an distressing turn, alert your circle to interrupt the situation and quickly excuse yourself.
bSafe
Available on Android and iPhone
Free download
Subscription: $1.99/week or $71.99/year for premium
Description:
bSafe is similar to an SOS system in that it can be activated by touch or saying a key phrase. It also includes live-streams to automatically record whatever emergency you’re in. The audio and video are then sent to your “guardians” along with your current location.
Features:
- SOS features: alarm timer, live streaming, location sharing
- Voice activation set to key phrases including “I’m afraid,” “Magic Wand,” “Flower Power,” and “Trump card”
- Fake calls that make your phone ring and shows call screen of the person you selected
Best For:
Alerting friends or family of an emergency or any other situation you feel unsafe. In case of an emergency say your key phrase and the app will automatically video the event and send it to your chosen contacts. You can also have a guardian virtually follow you on your way home.
LiveSafe
Available on Android and iPhone
Free download
Subscription: N/A
Description:
LiveSafe enables direct and discreet two-way communication with your community safety officials using text, picture, video, and audio. It also lets you virtually walk your friends and family home with SafeWalk. Not sure what to do in a situation? Well the app can help with that too.
Features:
- Request a SafeRide (if offered by your community)
- Location sharing during emergencies (make sure your phone’s location is on)
- Access to safety resources and phone numbers
- Safety map with key safety locations to keep you in the know
Best For:
Notifications of any emergency concerns linked to your choice of local organizations such as colleges, workplaces, malls, boys and girls clubs, etc. It also gives informative options whenever there’s an active shooter, suspicious person, fire, bomb threat, and more.