As the world shifts to a new scene, schools need to act to keep students safe and prepared for life.

One of the biggest changes that schools are making is creating a more empathetic environment. Bullying is becoming an increasing concern, especially because students can now be bullied over social media, off campus. In films and books, bullying tends to be about milk money and a fist fight on the playground. But more concerning is verbal bullying that tears down a student’s self-esteem, including even creating suicidal tendencies. Schools are now doing what they can to have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and to help students protect their bodies and minds from peer abuse.

Schools are also working towards implementing more life skills into classes. While skills such as balancing a checkbook are becoming somewhat outdated, every teen should know how to budget, handle emergencies, and manage time. Most teens graduate and feel lost the first time they’re handed legal paperwork, bank account information, and the like. A simple high school class should be able to prepare teens for life in the real world. More than math, science, and grammar, students also need to know how to pay a rent check and gain a good credit score. Schools are working on making sure they can.

A growing area of concern is school security. After the numerous school tragedies in recent years, schools are looking to do more to keep their students safe. Several schools prepare for emergencies by installing state-of-the-art security and risk-management technology. Using a couple of methods, schools are able to screen both students and visitors and protect everyone on campus from a potential threat.

Schools are also learning the value of taking a break. In past years, students were expected to work themselves as hard as possible, with AP classes and homework over the weekend and holiday breaks. Studies have shown, however, that resting makes you more productive, and many schools are realizing they need to let their students rest. High school students work hard, especially the ones with straight As, and no one should graduate from high school feeling burned out.

Schools are also implementing mandatory study hall times. These make it easier for a student with a broken home life to commit to quality homework time. Once a student is home, no one holds them accountable to do their work. With mandatory study hall, many students end up with better grades.