Back to School: Parent’s guide to keeping kids safe this school year

 As the school bells get ready to ring and back-to-school shopping is under way, it’s time for families to shift gears from summer fun to school-year routines.

Whether your child walks, bikes, rides the bus or enjoys time on the playground, making safety a priority is essential for a smooth and secure start to the school year.

Bus safety: More than just a ride

School buses are broadly considered the safest mode of ground transportation for getting to and from school. However, there are still safety measures recommended to keep kids safe. These include:

• Walk your child to the bus stop and wait with them until the bus arrives.
• Teach kids to stand at least three giant steps away from the curb while waiting.
• Make sure children wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before stepping on or off.
• Watch out for loose backpack straps or drawstrings, which can get caught in doors or cause trips and falls.
• Once on board, kids should always stay seated and face forward.

Pedestrian safety: Look, listen and learn

Walking to school can be a healthy and independent option, but it comes with its own set of risks. More than 70% of pedestrian deaths occur outside of crosswalks or intersections. Help your children stay safe by teaching them to:

• Avoid distractions like phones or headphones while walking.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing any street.
• Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they’re seen before stepping onto the road.
• Model good behavior by using crosswalks and putting your phone away when walking with children.

Bike safety: Helmets and habits

 Biking to school is a great way to stay active, but it requires the right gear and habits. A properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by nearly 45%. Here’s how to ride safely:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride on sidewalks when available and always ride on the right side of the road.
• At intersections, look both ways and proceed with caution.
• Wear bright colors and use lights, especially in the early morning.
• Ride with your child when possible and set a good example by wearing your own helmet.

Playground safety: Supervision and smart play

 Recess and after-school play are essential for kids’ development, but playgrounds can pose risks if not properly maintained or supervised. Keep these tips in mind:

• Teach kids to take turns and avoid pushing or crowding on equipment.
• Dress children in appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen for outdoor play.

Back-to-school season is a time of new beginnings, but it’s also a time to reinforce safety habits that will last all year long. By taking a few simple steps and staying involved, parents and caregivers can help ensure that every child arrives at school and back home safe and sound.