As the summer winds down, the excitement of a new school year begins to build. While kids eagerly anticipate meeting new teachers and reconnecting with friends, parents often have concerns about their children’s safety during this busy time. To ensure a smooth and safe transition back to school, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
1. Plan the Route to School
Planning and practising the route to school is a crucial step in back to school safety. Whether your child walks, bikes, or takes the bus, knowing the route and understanding potential hazards can prevent accidents.
- Walking: Walk the route with your child a few times before school starts. Point out safe places to cross the street and explain the importance of looking both ways before crossing. Make sure they know to stay on the sidewalk whenever possible.
- Biking: If your child bikes to school, ensure their bike is in good working condition. Equip them with a properly fitting helmet and review bike safety rules. Teach them to use hand signals and to ride on the right side of the road.
- Bus: Familiarise your child with their bus stop location and the bus number. Stress the importance of staying a safe distance from the curb while waiting for the bus and always crossing in front of the bus where the driver can see them.
2. Stranger Danger Awareness
Discussing stranger danger is vital. Teach your child not to talk to or go with strangers, and ensure they understand what to do if someone approaches them.
- Recognize Safe Adults: Explain which adults are safe to approach if they need help, such as police officers, teachers, and trusted neighbours.
- Code Word: Establish a family code word. If someone other than a parent needs to pick them up, that person should know the code word.
3. Internet Safety
With technology playing a significant role in education, internet safety cannot be overlooked.
- Privacy: Teach your child not to share personal information online, such as their full name, address, or phone number.
- Online Behaviour: Encourage respectful behaviour online and discuss the importance of reporting any bullying or inappropriate content they encounter.
- Screen Time: Set limits on screen time to ensure your child balances schoolwork with physical activity and family time.
4. Backpack Safety
Carrying heavy backpacks can cause strain and injury. To prevent this, choose the right backpack and ensure it is used correctly.
- Proper Fit: Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Ensure it fits well and isn’t too large for your child.
- Weight Distribution: Teach your child to use both shoulder straps to distribute the weight evenly. The backpack should not weigh more than 10-20% of your child’s body weight.
5. Health and Hygiene
Maintaining good health and hygiene is essential, especially during the school year when germs can spread quickly.
- Hand Washing: Emphasise the importance of washing hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing.
- Healthy Eating: Provide nutritious meals and snacks to keep your child energised and focused throughout the day.
- Vaccinations: Ensure your child is up to date on vaccinations, including the flu shot.
6. Emergency Preparedness
Knowing what to do in an emergency is critical for your child’s safety.
- Contact Information: Ensure your child knows their address, phone number, and how to reach you in case of an emergency.
- School Drills: Talk to your child about the importance of participating in school safety drills, such as fire and lockdown drills.
- Emergency Plan: Develop a family emergency plan and practice it regularly. This should include what to do if a natural disaster occurs while your child is at school.
7. Mental Health Awareness
The start of a new school year can be stressful for kids. Paying attention to their mental health is just as important as physical safety.
- Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and any concerns they may have about school.
- Routine: Establish a daily routine to help reduce anxiety and ensure your child gets enough sleep.
- Professional Support: Be aware of the signs of stress, anxiety, and depression. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
8. Traffic Safety
Whether your child is walking, biking, or riding in a car, traffic safety is a key component of back to school safety.
- Crossing Streets: Remind your child to always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections and to obey traffic signals.
- Car Safety: Ensure your child uses a seatbelt at all times and that younger children are in appropriate car seats or booster seats.
- Driver Awareness: If you drive your child to school, be extra cautious in school zones and follow all traffic laws to protect pedestrians and other drivers.
9. Back to School Night
Attending back to school night or orientation events can help you and your child feel more comfortable about the upcoming school year.
- Meet the Teacher: Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and discuss any concerns or special needs your child may have.
- Classroom Environment: Familiarise yourself with your child’s classroom and school environment.
- Stay Informed: Stay informed about school policies, upcoming events, and ways to get involved in the school community.
By following these back to school safety tips from Flow & Grow Kids Yoga, you can help ensure that your child has a safe and successful school year. Remember, preparation and communication are key. As your child embarks on this new adventure, taking these precautions will give both of you peace of mind.
