Back to school safety tips

When parents talk about school safety these days, they’re usually referring to the surge of violence at schools. 

TRAUMA RESCUE’S 15 TIPS FOR 2018

• Plan a walking/ cycling route to school or the bus stop: Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersections that have crossing guards.
• Walk/ cycle the route with your child beforehand: Teach your kid(s) to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields and other places where there aren’t many people around. 
• Strangers: Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. 
• Don’t walk alone: Be sure your child walks to and from school with a sibling, friend or neighbour.
• Obey traffic signals: Teach your kids – whether walking, biking or riding the bus to school – to obey all traffic signals, signs and traffic officers. Remind them to be extra careful in bad weather.
• As close to the school as possible: When driving kids, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible. 
• Bike helmets: If your child bikes to school, make sure he/she wears a helmet that meets safety standards. Research indicates that a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%.
• Scooters: If your child rides a scooter to school, make sure he/she wears sturdy shoes, a helmet, kneepads and elbow pads. 
• Busses & blind spots: Teach children to arrive at the bus stop early, to stay off the streets, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the street, watch for cars and avoid the bus driver’s blind spot.
• Stay seated: Remind your children to always stay seated and keep their heads and arms inside the bus or car while riding. 
• Can the bus driver see you? Teach your child not to bend down in front of a bus or car to tie shoes or pick up objects, as the driver may not see him/her before starting to move.
• What’s your parent's telephone numbers? Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult and how to call 0861 789 911 for emergencies. Save this number on your phone. Write it down on your child’s school bag under ambulance.
• Check the playground equipment at your child’s school: Look for hazards such as rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces. Report any hazards to the school.
• Avoid any drawstrings on the hood or around the neck of jackets and sweatshirts: Drawstrings at the waist or bottom of jackets should extend no more than 80cm to prevent catching in car and school bus doors or getting caught on playground equipment.
• Give your child some strategies for coping with bullies: Your child should not give in to a bully’s demands, but should simply walk away or tell the bully to stop. If the bullying continues, talk to a teacher to assist.

0861 789 911