The end of the summer holiday signals the beginning of school. Now parents must fully handle and ensure the safety of their kids as they return to their classes. Busier roads and evolving digital threats bring fresh challenges. Let’s explore practical tips to keep your children safe as they head back to class.
How to Ensure Safe Travel to and From School
Getting to school safely sets the tone for the day. If your child walks, bikes, or rides the bus, you must ensure their safety. As parents, practice the route with your kids and point out safe paths on the sidewalks and crosswalks. For walkers, teach them to look left-right-left before crossing and to avoid distractions like phones.
Cyclists need helmets that meet safety standards, that is, they fit snugly and stay low on the forehead. Parents can keep track of their children’s movement by installing tracking devices like AirTags in their kids’ bags or shoes for extra security.
How to Stay Safe at School
School grounds require strict vigilance. Teach kids to report bullying or suspicious behavior to a trusted adult, like a teacher or counselor. Ensure they know their address, your phone number, and how to dial 911, especially for younger kids. For playground safety, schools should:
- Check equipment for sharp edges; report any issues to the school.
- Avoid attaching ropes or leashes to slides or swings to prevent strangulation.
- Ensure shock-absorbing surfaces, like mulch, extend six feet around equipment.
How to Stay Safe Online
Online safety should equally be prioritized as tech use among kids continues to skyrocket. Parents should set clear rules as kids spend hours on school tablets or personal devices. They should teach them to avoid sharing personal information, such as their school or address, and to only talk to known contacts on social media.
Additional tips to ensure online safety:
- Install parental control software to monitor activity.
- Discuss cyberbullying; encourage them to report it to you or a teacher.
- Regularly check privacy settings on apps and games.
- Practice rescue drills that can keep them safe during school shootings.
Why Attorney Wayne Resmini Cares
Every year, there are 1000’s of cases across America, kids going back to school, and accidents. Whether drivers were not paying attention, or kids were not following the rules. It could happen to anyone. However, drivers should always be on the lookout for kids crossing the road or school buses. And parents should educate their kids about road safety to avoid accidents. If you or your child were in a recent accident, avoid posting on social media, as this can be seen as evidence. Get in touch with Attorney Wayne Resmini, and he will guide you through the right steps in taking action.