The best personal safety devices for college students that’s not an app

My daughter’s name is Emily (changed for privacy…)

She’s 17 now, but to me, she’ll always be my “little girl.”

The week Emily went off to college, I didn’t sleep more than 15 minutes a night.

And when I did catch a few winks? My mind was racing.

I was a total wreck.

My mind was spinning out of control, not being in contact with her outside of quick texts and the odd call every couple of weeks.

I’d find myself staring at the ceiling, wondering where she was or who she had been with — repeatedly.

I’m told these thoughts are every day.

Being overprotective is just a part of being a parent.

But now that my little girl is away at college… I can’t help but imagine the worse.

And the internet doesn’t help my thoughts either.

I remember reading a massive survey of 150,000 students across 27 different campuses conducted by the Association of American Universities.

The study said…

 “about 1 in 10 female students say they have experienced sexual assault involving penetration, by force or incapacitation, while in college”.

I almost wish I didn’t read that.

Every time I see a picture of my princess with a group of her friends, I can’t help but count to 10 in my head, knowing one of them is likely to be viscously assaulted.

Experts say many victims don’t even report being assaulted.

So I’m sure the actual numbers are even worse.

Even if it’s 1 out of 10, or 2, or 3…

The number is too high.

Now…

We raised our daughter right.

Strong values and a smart girl.

But I don’t trust what I don’t know.

And I especially don’t trust what I can’t see.

I don’t know the guys at her school or what is happening late at night.

I don’t know the parties she’s going to or what’s going on.

All I can do is be the best protector possible.

Because she deserves it.

Sure, there are safety measures at school.

Education sessions about staying safe.

They tell everyone to go out in groups, and some talk about the best safety device for college girls.

The campus also holds mandatory talks about security, making dire warnings against something called ‘piggybacking’…

Nothing really about the best personal safety devices for college students.

“Piggybacking” is a fancy way of saying your daughter is being secretly followed to her dorm room…

And to protect against this nasty threat?

The main safety measure on campus is ‘blue light’ phones with a 911 panic button.

Sure, on-site talks, warnings about safety tactics, and ‘blue-light’ phones are all great ideas.

And if she feels in danger, she most likely reaches for her iPhone and makes a call.

Or she texts her friends telling them she is leaving a party and will text them when she gets home.

These are all great ideas, and they aren’t too different from when I was in college.

‘Safety Apps’ are taking campuses by storm — But I wonder how effective they really are!

You may have seen safety devices for college students or even tried one out.

As a protective dad, I looked into these apps and found a startling problem.

And because of this one fatal flaw, I refused to buy one of the popular safety devices for my daughter.

I didn’t trust they could help her.

Because virtually every one of these new products relies on Emily carrying one of these devices, plus having her phone nearby.

And if she thinks she’s in danger?

99% of these ‘personal safety apps’ have one fatal flaw — built right in!

After researching many of the apps for my daughter, I made a somewhat disappointing discovery.

Most of these apps don’t even work unless her phone is in the same room as the device.

And many require heft monthly fees to keep up to date.

I found this excerpt from one of the most popular safety devices available:

I don’t see how this helps.

What if she drops her phone?

Or it’s taken by accident (or on purpose)?

What good is a safety app if she can’t get to it?

You guessed it… nothing!

If these ‘safety’ devices are not close to her phone (even in a different room)… or if her phone is off for any reason?

These ‘safety’ devices become nothing more than worthless pieces of ‘digital jewelry.’

Sure, in most situations, Emily has her phone – it’s a part of her left hand.

But I can remember many times when she has been out of the house and frantically searching for a charging cable because she’s been on Snapchat all day, so when it comes to safety, I learned to leave nothing to chance.

So when I came across a new device online called the “Hootie,” I had to write this review for the best safety device for college girls…

What Is Hootie?

Hootie is like having your alarm system everywhere you go.

At the pull of its pin, Hootie triggers the built-in strobe light and 130-decibel alarm – which is as loud as a jet engine to startle and scare off any would-be attackers. This gives you time to escape and alert others that you need help. It’s so loud you can even hear it through walls.

Hootie’s strong carabiner easily attaches to your keychain, bag, pocket, or water bottle – so it’s always at hand. 

There’s no training required…

There are no risks to using it, making it one of the best personal safety devices for college students.

It’s all the protection you would want, without the extra danger and violence that comes with carrying weapons…

…making it the ideal modern solution for women to safely and reliably protect themselves.

I’m happy to say my daughter hasn’t had to use it in an emergency, but I CAN say now with full confidence: 

If something happens, I feel fully confident she can take action to defend herself.

There’s Also Another Reason I Love It So Much As The Best Personal Safety device for College Students.

Okay, so this may sound a bit off-topic, but I have to say it… 

My daughter loves how slim and chic Hootie is, especially for a safety product.

The modern and sleek look matches her other cute accessories, so she doesn’t mind adding it to her keychain. 

It’s also small and light enough to carry inside any of her bags or clutches if she doesn’t want to wear it out.

Yes, I know self-defense is the most important aspect of Hootie. 

But what can I say? I’m happy they’ll USE THIS for security.

WATCH: What Others Are Saying About Hootie…

ALL Women (And Kids) Should Carry Hootie

With Hootie, she has a personal safety device that I can trust. I know exactly how it works, and she’s comfortable using it, and it can’t be used against her.

Both my daughter (now age 18) and son (age 13) have one on their keychain. They never call when they’re supposed to… so it’s great having a little extra peace of mind knowing they’ll get help quickly when in trouble and I’m not around.

Bottom line: I’m glad I discovered Hootie as my pick for the best personal safety device for college students.

Whenever I know my kids will be alone, or even for myself around town, on the trails, across campus, and out at night, Hootie makes me feel like I can do more now. And these days, that’s priceless.