It is hard to believe that summer is winding down and the time to send the kids back to school is once again right around the corner. August is National Back to School Month, and this means that it is time to buy new clothes, backpacks, and school supplies.
It is also a time to think about safety. Back to school safety tips are something that every parent should think about as we get closer for the return to school. Every time we send our children back to school, it feels as though there are new potential dangers to worry about. Here are five common back to school safety tips to help make sure you and your children are prepared.
Teach or Repeat Stranger Danger
If you have not already had cause to teach your children about strangers and the dangers that accompany them, now is the time. Children should not go off to school without understanding the need to stay away from strangers and not to be fooled. Discussing the types of things that are okay and the types of things that should be avoided is vital. Talk about the rules of who will pick them up from school. The list should be short and limited to only the people they know well.
Enforce the Importance of Washing Hands Often
With all the new strains of the flu and various other maladies that spread through schools so easily, it is vital that you teach your children about washing their hands. This also includes paying attention to what they touch and sharing food and drink.
Have an Emergency Plan in Place
Children always feel safer when they know what to do in the event of different situations. For example, what would they do if the school had an emergency and they needed to get someplace safe outside the school? In a world where significant events are now more common it is imperative that parents and children have a plan. It is far better for them to know what to do and what not to do should an emergency happen. Have a primary place to meet and a backup in case of an emergency. Meeting locations could be a specific part of the school grounds or a trusted home close by.
Make a Safety Card
Your child should have a laminated card on them that gives their name, address, phone number, emergency contacts and medical conditions at a minimum. This information can be extremely important should they become lost or sick away from home or school.
Discuss Bullying and Social Issues
Bullying has taken the forefront, but the other issues are out there as well (drugs, peer pressure, smoking, etc.). Discuss all these things with your children no matter how uncomfortable it might seem. Over time you will build a trustworthy line of communication that your kids will value as much as you. Bullying is not something you can ignore as a parent. Give your kids real solutions and the power to defend themselves.
These back-to-school safety tips are far from the only ones, but they will get your kids off to a good start. Talk to them about what they might be concerned with. This often reveals other conversations that need to be had as well.
You can find additional back to school safety information in the links below.