10 Safety Tips for Kids During Back to School

With our children returning to school we want them to stay safe. Going back to school can be a stressful time. Here are 10 tips to make sure your children stay safe this school year.

One
Traveling back and forth to school causes concern for many parents. If you child is riding the bus ensure they are buckled up, do not move around on the bus, always stay in clear view of the driver, and wait for the bus to stop before approaching it. Car riders should also wear seat belts and if the child is under age 13 they need to stay in the back seat for safety. Bike riders should wear proper safety gear, bright colored clothing, know and use hand signals, respect traffic signs, and know the rules of the road. Walkers need to walk in a safe area with an adult, wear bright colored clothing, and be knowledgeable about pedestrian rules.

Two
Choosing the right backpack is very important. Making sure your child does not fill the backpack up all the way and carry it is also important. Pack light and always use both shoulder straps. Consider a rolling backpack if you or your child needs to carry a large amount of items.

Three
Being picked on and bullied at school is an issue on many playgrounds and neighborhood allies. Make sure your child knows what to do if he or she is being bullied. Bullying can be social, verbal, or physical. This can happen at school, on the bus, walking home, or online. If your child is being a bully make sure they know how wrong there actions are and teach practical solutions for problems.

Four
Younger children need adult supervision after school. Research the staff if you are choosing a commercial after school program. Make sure your child arrives home by the time you have set so there is no loitering around after school. Do not leave young children home alone.

Five
Research the after school activities that your child is going to participate in. The sports coach or Girl Scout leader should have already had a background check. However, go meat the individuals yourself as well as pick up and drop off your child.

Six
Teach your child how and when to ask for help. This could be in a school situation or on their way to and from school. If trouble occurs your child needs to know how to deal with it. School trouble needs to be brought to the attention of the principal or school official. Things in the neighborhood will need to be addressed by police or neighborhood watch.

Seven
Cell phones are not a bad thing for children if used in the right ways. Put a cell phone in your child's book bag that they can turn off before school starts and back on again when school lets out. This way you can track where they are, get a hold of them, or they can call you and 911 in emergency situations.

Eight
Use the buddy system and find other children who can walk, sit, or keep an eye on your child and vise versa. Riding the bus with a friend, having someone to sit with or walk with can make a big difference. Predators are less likely to approach children in groups.

Nine
School related injuries typically occur more often than we think. Try to send your child to school with non-slip shoes that are good for any occasion. Flip flops, sandals, and strappy heals are only going to cause slips, falls, and unstable traction. Make sure there are no strings hanging from the bottom of pants and do not wear clothes that are to long. Ensure the school has your doctor's phone number, address, and your hospital preference.

Ten
Younger children need to know their phone number, address, parent's names, school name, grandparent's name, and grandparent's phone number. They also need to be aware of how to call 911. Knowing the name and number of a trusted adult besides the child's parents is going to give them more options of coming home safely.