Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Back-to-school time can cause anxiety in some parents. After all, it’s a big world out there, and some caution is essential. From riding the bus to avoiding strangers, there’s a lot they need to know. And you can be there to teach them how to be safe going back to school. This list of essentials is a great starting point.
Teach Them How To Be Safe While Getting to and back from School
You need to provide your kids with the proper safety essentials to be safe throughout the day. This starts as they walk out the door on the way to school. Each form of transportation has some risks. You can prepare the kids so they get to school as safe as possible no matter how they get there.
Walking To School (or to the bus stop)
If the school is relatively close, walking is a great way to get there. It provides some fresh air and exercise in the morning but it can be dangerous. If your children are younger, you are probably walking with them so you can teach them these safety tips. That way as they get older, safety is ingrained for the journey to school.
What safety tips should you consider if your kids walk to school?
- Most importantly, the kids should always stay on the sidewalk.
- If they need to cross the street, they need to use the crosswalk. Make sure they know to always, always look both ways before crossing. And wait for oncoming cars to stop, in case there’s driver who’s not paying attention.
- Teach them to not use cell phones or headphones so they remain aware of what’s going on around them.
- Whenever possible, have your kids walk to school with other students, as there is strength in numbers.
- Finally, ensure that your kids leave early enough so they don’t feel rushed and can safely follow your rules.
Bike Riding (or scooter or skateboard)
Riding a bike to school is also a fun way to get a little morning exercise. Plus it’s a faster way to get to school for those who can ride.
If they ride their bike to school:
- Ensure their bike has all the proper safety equipment, including reflectors and well-maintained brakes. They may need lights too for winter days when it gets dark earlier.
- Make sure the bike is a good fit and works properly.
- Teach them to ride in the same direction as traffic.
- To always wear a properly fitting helmet.
- Teach your children to use proper hand signals while biking.
Riding The Bus
About half of pre-high school students in the United States — about 20 million children — travel more 2 miles to school. At these distances, students are nearly evenly split between taking a school bus and being driven in a private vehicle.
School buses are an efficient and generally safe way to get to school. But f your kids take the bus to school, there are still some precautions to remind them of:
- Wait at least 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching.
- Walk in front of the bus (never behind) where the bus driver can see you.
- Make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing in front of the bus.
- Even though cars are supposed to stop behind a stopped bus, children should look for cars before crossing the street in front of the bus.
- On the bus they need to stay seated.
- They should never stick their arms out of the windows
- Keep their bag or belongings out of the aisle where kids could trip.
Drop off and Carpools
Your kids may even ride with you and others in a carpool. If so, you must verify that everyone can sit safely and securely.
Many parents report being lax on car seats during carpools. However, all children in the car should be properly buckled and using an appropriate child restraint, if necessary. And remember back seat is safest until a child is at least 13 years old.
Schools have different rules for drop off lanes. Make sure you and your child understand what is expected when getting out of and back into the car during drop off and pick up.
- Use the designated drop off lane.
- Have children get out on the sidewalk side of the car.
- Drive slowly, stay alert and watch for other cars and children walking.
- Be patient. Allow yourself plenty of time in case of lines so that everyone can be safe.
Also, make it known that the kids can always approach you or the other drivers if they don’t feel safe.
Show Them How To Avoid Trouble And Injury
Whether they’re on school property or walking to and from, it’s wise to teach your kids how to avoid trouble or how to react if an unforeseen event does occur.
Beware of Strangers
For instance, one of the best ways to stay safe and secure is to avoid strangers who may have malicious intent. Remind the kids that the behavior of some strangers is downright dangerous and some strangers may have ulterior motives, so caution is essential.
Teach them about various signs that a stranger may be up to no good, like:
- an inability to keep eye contact
- constant fidgeting.
- an adult asking the child for help or to go with them somewhere
- an adult asking the child to keep a secret
Also, teach your kids to trust their instincts. If a situation doesn’t feel right, they should try to separate themselves and yell for help. They can also set boundaries by not approaching anyone they don’t know.
Teach Them First Aid
For many kids, going outside for recess is the best part of the day. However, whether they’re playing on the swings and slides or playing dodgeball, they must be careful. When on the playground, children can try to avoid sharp edges and avoid trying to fit into small spaces where they might get stuck.
In case an injury does occur, parents can prepare even the youngest kids by teaching some simple first aid. You can teach children how to wash out a cut or apply pressure to an injury.
These principles are so important that many believe that first aid should be taught in schools.
Sign up our newsletter for car seat safety and other driving safety updates.
Safety While In School
Finally, teach your kids how to be safe while in school, either while roaming the halls or sitting in class.
One safety tip you may not immediately think about is to get your kids a good ergonomically designed backpack they can carry between classes without hurting their backs. Instruct them to wear both straps so the weight is distributed evenly. And help them not over stuff the bag. A backpack should weigh no more than 5% to 10% of your child’s body weight. Heavy bags can cause strain or cause them to be unbalanced, making them fall or stumble.
Sit your kids down and talk to them about bullying. Teach them what they should do if a fellow student is harassing them or causing them distress. Teach them about negative behaviors, like consistent teasing or physical violence. Instruct your kids to go to someone of authority, if they experience it.
Bullying and harassment can also occur online. And as more schools turn to technology, there’s a greater chance that your child will need to know how to be safe on the computer. Some bullies can say more hurtful things online than they will in person because they’re behind a screen. If your child feels they are being harassed online, they should go to a teacher.
While you’re discussing online safety, teach your kids to also never share personal information — including their age, address, and any passwords — with anyone they don’t know or trust.
One more thing, make sure your child knows important contact information for you or another trusted adult. Consider providing them with a small emergency contact card to carry in their backpack.
Back to School Safety
Yes, there’s a lot that you need to discuss with your kids about safety at school. But a few conversations can help ensure their safety. Be honest and upfront with your children. Keep an open line of communication with your child. Encourage them to share any concerns or issues they may have about their safety, at school or elsewhere.
You can have confidence that they’re okay when they leave the house each morning.
Guest post: Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer who lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to good health, balanced life, and better living through technology. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings. Editing and Additions by Amie Durocher.
Copyright 2024 Safe Ride 4 Kids. All rights reserved. You may not publish, broadcast, rewrite or redistribute this material without permission. You are welcome to link to Safe Ride 4 Kids or share on social media.
