Every fall, millions of students return to classrooms across the country. Before they do, families should take time to review basic safety principles that can prevent injuries and save lives. Here is a practical checklist covering the most common back-to-school safety concerns.
Walking to School or the Bus Stop
Pre-plan the most direct route to and from school or the bus stop. Avoid intersections where possible and keep the path in plain view of homes and businesses. Children should not be engaged with electronics while walking. According to the CDC, more than 15,000 children are injured by vehicles each year in the United States while walking.
Traveling by School Bus
Children should wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching. They should always enter and exit in front of the bus so the driver can maintain visual contact at all times.
Backpack Safety
A loaded backpack should not exceed 15% to 20% of a child's total body weight. Use all compartments to distribute weight evenly and encourage the use of both shoulder straps and the waist strap when available.
Contact Information
Every child should know a parent's cell phone number, how to reach a trusted adult in an emergency, and how and when to use 9-1-1.
Strangers
Remind children that a stranger is someone they do not know well. They should report any unusual encounters immediately to a teacher or administrator. Walking with a friend is always preferable to walking alone, and children should never get close enough to a stranger to be grabbed.
Students Who Drive
For teens with driving privileges, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents. Distractions extend beyond texting to include eating, adjusting music, and carrying too many passengers.
Safety Drills
Fire, tornado, and active shooter drills are now standard in schools nationwide. Parents should talk with their children about the purpose of these drills and the importance of taking them seriously.
Each year, students embark on a journey to grow, learn, and experience life through social interaction at school. Bolo Stick provides an additional layer of safety to their learning environment with a strong, simple, and safe way to prevent unwanted classroom entry.
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