The start of a new school year can be an exciting and stressful time for children and parents. Send kids off to school safely by going over these safety topics as a family.

Transportation

Warn children of the potential safety hazards when getting on and off the bus, and when walking to the bus stop. Kids who ride their bikes to school should use hand signals, follow traffic rules, and wear helmets. Teach children who walk to school to always use crosswalks, watch for cars making sudden turns into and out of driveways, and never walk while texting or talking on the phone.

Bullying

To protect your child from being bullied, or becoming a perpetrator, help them understand that acting in abusive ways is unacceptable and harmful to all involved. Remind your child to express his or her feelings and emotions with kind words instead of destructive behaviors.

Violence

All schools work to prevent school violence and ensure schools are very safe places. Be familiar with your child’s school emergency plan, and verify that it properly monitors all who enter and exit the school grounds.