Aug
Heads Up, Phones Down: Back-to-School Safety Starts Now
Back to School Safety
With the new school year just around the corner, you may be thinking about how your child will be getting to and from school. Whether they’re taking the bus, train, catching a ride, or walking, we’ve compiled some tips you can share with youth to help keep them safe.
Transit Safety
If this is your child’s first time taking public transit, or even if they’re well-versed in taking buses and trains, have a conversation with them about public transit safety before the first day of school.
1. Know before you go – Make sure they know exactly what
bus route they are taking, the direction it is going in, and the route schedule in case they miss their usual bus. Share alternative transit routes with them in case of cancellations or delays.
2. Stay alert, stay safe – Have at least one earbud removed or turn off the noise cancellation feature on any over-ear headphones. Make sure you remind your child to look around periodically so they’re aware of what’s going on around them. This also makes them look more alert.
3.Trust your gut – If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. Let your child know that if they feel unsafe on public transit, they can move closer to the bus driver or change train cars at the next stop. They can also call a friend or family member and chat with them on the phone, or they can get off at the next stop and wait for the next train/bus.
Walking to and From School
1.Only use marked cross-walks – The extra few seconds you save jogging across the street is not worth potential collisions or accidents.
2.Have a code word – Come up with a code word or emoji they can text you if they feel like they are in an unsafe situation. This will let you know they may need assistance.
3.Practice the walk together – Before the first day of school, walk the route with your child so they’re familiar and comfortable with the route they’ll be taking.
4.Find a buddy – If possible, have your child walk home with a friend, family member, or sibling.
5.Check -in – Have your child text or call you when they arrive home safely.
General Safety
1.Never accept a ride from a stranger.
2.If someone you do not know approaches you and claims to be a friend of a parent or guardian, call your parent or guardian to confirm, or check-in with your school office.
3.If your child misses their bus or their ride is late, tell them to wait inside
the school and let a safe and trusted adult know. Create a plan if they need to arrange a different way home.
4.If your child does not have a cell phone, write down a list of important phone numbers they can keep on them at all times in case they need to get a hold of a safe and trusted adult or make an emergency call.
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