Preparing for your child to go back to school can be nerve-racking, but this is the season for preparedness. Whether they are riding the bus, walking to school, biking, or just spending time inside the school building, parents throughout Florida are likely quite concerned about their ability to keep them as safe as possible. To help put parents’ minds at ease, our Crestview personal injury lawyer provides the following 10 tips to help keep your children safe this school year.

#1: Teach Your Children About Road Safety

There are a few things to consider, depending on your child’s specific needs. For example, if your child walks to school, teach them the basics of road safety. Such discussions should include the basics, such as:

  • Look Both Ways: Always look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
  • Use Crosswalks: Always cross at designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
  • Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like using a phone while walking.

If your child is old enough to ride a bike safely to school, he or she should be reminded to wear a helmet and make sure that it is worn correctly and fits properly. Additionally, bike riders should always ride with traffic, not against it (despite what some of us have been told or learned in the past). Parents should show them how to ride with traffic to help them avoid confusion. 

Parents will also need to stress the importance of obeying all traffic laws. For instance, a good way to help them gain understanding in this regard is to routinely demonstrate what it means to follow the law by coming to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs. Also, if the road leading to the school has bike lanes, children should be encouraged to use them whenever possible.

#2: Provide Guidance to Ensure Safe Transportation

School Bus Safety

If your child rides the school bus, the following tips may prove to be helpful:

  1. Get to the Bus Stop Early: Be at the bus stop at least five minutes earlier than the time it is scheduled to arrive.
  2. Stand Back: Waiting for the bus? Stand at least 3 giant steps (approximately 6 feet) away from the curb. 
  3. Follow the Driver’s Instructions: Always follow the bus driver’s instructions, especially in case of emergencies.

#3: Establish a Safe Route for Walking or Biking

Plan and practice a safe route to and from school. You can do this by walking or biking with your child to identify safe crossing places and look out for danger signs. While discussing the route, parents can point out landmarks to help their child recognize the route. Also, it will be important to find out where your child can go to escape a conflict, should one arise, such as a friend’s house or a local business.

#4: Stranger Danger Awareness

Young children have probably heard the phrase in the past, but parents should be sure to educate them about the seriousness of “stranger danger.” Simply put:

  • Don’t Talk to Strangers: Teach them not to accept rides or talk to strangers.
  • Safe Adults: Help them identify safe adults they can approach if they feel threatened.
  • Code Word: Establish a family code word for emergencies that only trusted individuals will know.

#5: Ensure Your Kids Know Your Emergency Contact Information

Make sure your child knows essential contact information, such as phone numbers, relevant addresses and the name and number of their school. 

#6: Backpack Safety

Something that may be overlooked by children and parents is the potential injuries that can occur due to heavy backpacks. That said, be sure to choose a backpack that fits your child properly, and note that the backpack should not weigh more than 10 to 15% of your child’s weight. When packing the backpack, be sure to center the heaviest items to help maintain stability and encourage your child to use both shoulder straps to assist in that effort. 

#7: Cyber Safety

With increased technology use in schools, cyber safety is crucial. Parents should consider the following:

  • Online Behavior: Teach your child about respectful and safe online behavior.
  • Personal Information: Warn them never to share personal information online.
  • Parental Controls: Use parental controls on devices to monitor and limit online activity.

#8: Health Precautions

Maintain your child’s health by following these tips:

  • Vaccinations: Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date.
  • Washing with Soap and Water: Teach the importance of washing hands with soap and water before eating, as well as after using the bathroom. It is also a good idea to supply your child with hand sanitizer in case a restroom isn’t available.
  • Healthy Habits: Encourage a balanced diet, regular physical activity and adequate sleep.

#9: Bullying Awareness

An unfortunate situation that often arises among school-age children is bullying. However, you can equip your child with strategies to deal with bullying, should they experience it.

  • Recognize Bullying: Help them understand what bullying is and explain to them that it’s unacceptable.
  • Speak Up: Encourage them to report any form of bullying to a trusted adult immediately.
  • Support Systems: Foster friendships and involvement in activities that build confidence and provide support.

#10: Communicate Regularly

Overall, it is important for parents to keep open lines of communication with their children. This means performing daily check-ins by asking them about their day and listening to any concerns. You should also let them know that they can come to you if they need to talk about anything, whether it’s about things that trouble them, things that scare them, or things nobody is even aware of yet.

Was Your Child Hurt in an Accident on the Way to School? Our Crestview Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

The above-discussed tips are meant to provide guidance for you and your family; however, despite your best efforts, there is always a chance that something (or someone) may cause an accident to occur on the way to or from school. If you have questions or concerns about your rights should the unthinkable happen, do not hesitate to contact our Crestview personal injury attorney today.