Personal alarms have often been used by seniors at home to get first aid in the case of medical emergency: you may have heard of a product called Lifeline, worn on the body and providing a near-instant connection with a helpline and ambulance service. You can buy similar wireless contact systems to be used for self protection as well: devices are carried or clipped to clothing: when someone feels under duress or threatened, a pushed button sounds a loud alarm. A criminal caught off guard by a screaming siren, will tend to run. And the high decibel alert will catch the attention of others.

But these alarms aren't just for seniors: they protect students walking on campus after dark. Rates of attack and rape on college campuses are higher than you'd imagine. Universities downplay crime rates, but students attending large schools need personal protection either in the form of an alarm, pepper spray or experience in self defense. A lot of crime happens in dormitories and frat houses: crime can walk through the door of any beer party. Provide your student with an alarm system and an alert sensibility to personal security on campus.