It’s time to dust off the books and send our little ones off to learn! No matter if they are just entering kindergarten, breaking into high school or even if you don’t have any kids, keeping all children safe is our top priority! We have some back-to-school safety tips serving as an important reminder.
#1. Adults: Heed to School Zone Driving
When you drive through a school zone, there are a few things you will want to do. First, be more aware. Avoid all distractions and pay full attention to the road and surroundings. Also, SLOW DOWN. Speed limits are lower in these areas for a reason. Here are a few more tips:
- Stop for school buses that are loading and unloading children.
- Watch for crossing guards and children at intersections.
- Never change lanes, pass other vehicles, or make U-turns in a school zone. (Did you know that one?)
#2. Adults: Drive Smart in Neighborhoods
Some students live within walking distance from their school. Be aware of this during the morning rush and in the afternoon. Be mindful of kids that might play at a bus stop and could possibly meander into the street. Go at a slower speed when you spot kids close to your car. Never pass a school bus that is loading and unloading children. We know they go slow and make a lot of stops. Your situation can wait. Safety is more important.
#3. Kids: Get to and From School Safely
Walking and riding your bike to school is a great responsibility, even though it doesn’t seem like it. It’s a big step in growing up and taking charge. Make sure you take it seriously. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Here are some pointers to help!
- Walk/ride with a friend. Great conversation makes the trip a lot better!
- Be careful at intersections. Always follow walk/stop lights. Watch out for cars, even if it is your turn. They might not be paying attention.
- Be wary of strangers. There’s nothing wrong with saying “Hello” or “How are you doing?”, but if someone is trying to talk to you for an extended period, politely tell them you have to go. Plus, you don’t want to be late for school or home.
- Never get into a stranger’s car or divert from your plans, unless your parent/guardian says it’s okay.
- Don’t stray from the path. Getting lost is not fun. Keep the same path in case something happens so you can be easily found.
#4. Parents/Guardians & Kids: After School Safety
A lot of times parents/guardians aren’t accessible during after school hours, due to work. Both parents and kids should create a plan for where to be after school is over. Rules are also important to follow during these times. If you are going home alone, make sure no one is let in the house unless agreed upon while the parent or guardian is away.
Check out some after-school programs that might be fun, like a sport or club. This takes up that vulnerable time and might cultivate some new exciting hobbies! Another route might be to find a safe place to hang out, like a relative or close friend’s house.
#5. Parents/Guardians: Invest in Safety Gadgets
In this time of technological gadgetry, there’s no reason not to take advantage of tools that can help keep the kids safe!
- GPS Watches – There are now watches kids can wear that help you see where they are and communicate with them. They can also reach you if they need to.
- AirTags – Slip an AirTag into your child’s backpack for GPS tracking.
- Camera Doorbells – Get a camera doorbell to keep track of who’s at the door!
- Smart Locks – Be able to unlock/lock the door from wherever you may be. This can make access easy for the kids, so they don’t have to carry a key. You can also get notifications when anyone enters and leaves! Lang’s Locks can help you out with this!
Bottom Line for Back-To-School Safety Tips
We are just scratching the surface of back-to-school safety tips here, but we don’t want to overwhelm you. We recognize that all parenting styles are different when it comes to keeping our children safe. What works for one family might not work for another. Do what works! Keep communication open and honest. Have a great school year!
One of the big factors in choosing a place to live is choosing the right school district! Gregg Sutter has been helping families choose the best place for them and their children for years. Contact Gregg today to start shopping!
