Back-to-school time is always exciting and busy. There are new friends to meet, new supplies to unpack, and new routines to practice. But with everything that’s going on, it’s easy to forget some key safety habits. To help you make sure that your kids stay safe this school year, follow these 5 expert tips.
Be extra mindful when accompanying your younger child to school
Drivers have more on their minds at the start of school, as they may be rushing to drop off children before their workday. If you’ll be driving your child to school, be on the lookout for drivers that may cut in front of you or fail to stop.
As you approach a school zone, remember to slow down significantly. Never make U-turns or pass vehicles in a school zone, as children may be crossing the street at any point.
If you’ll be walking your child to school, do a test run of the route before the first day. If your child has a penchant for running or scootering ahead, establish “stopping points,” which can be a tree, or marker on the sidewalk several feet before the road.
Practice the route to school with your older child
If your child is old enough to walk, scooter or bike to school by themself, make sure they have a safe route. Choose streets with lower speed limits and less traffic, but also streets that are well traveled by pedestrians—since someone with bad intentions will probably be less likely to approach your child if there are other people around.
Try the route with them before the start of school to look out for potential dangers, such as hidden driveways or busy intersections without crossing guards. This will give you an opportunity to instruct your child on where they need to slow down and pay extra attention. This is also a great time to remind your child of general traffic rules, including that they should only cross roads at designated crosswalks.
Explain to your child that the freedom of traveling to school by themselves comes with responsibility. This means following pedestrian or cycling rules, as well as taking the same, agreed-upon route every day—and never taking shortcuts.
Teach your kid to follow tried-and-true safety tips
If your child is old enough to travel to school without you, encourage them to travel with a friend at all times. This way, they can look out for each other. Two or more children are far less likely to be approached by a stranger than a child on their own.
Instruct your child to avoid talking to strangers, explaining that people who wish to abduct a child may first approach them with a question about directions, for example. Teach your child to back away from anyone who tries to approach them with a question or request, so that they can run away from the person if they come too close.
As children are much more likely to be abducted by someone they know, ask your child to promise never to get into a vehicle with anyone without your permission, even if that person is a close friend or family member.
Role-play different scenarios so your child can practice declining to help a stranger, or turning down a ride from someone they know.
Consider technology to aid in a safe route, but beware of the distraction risk
You may wish to consider a phone with a data plan so you can track your child along their route using GPS technology. Keep in mind, however, if a child is looking down at a phone or listening to music, they may not be paying attention to their surroundings and could walk onto the street without realizing a car is approaching.
For this reason, we suggest that if your child does carry a phone, they should agree to keep it in their backpack during the walk to and from school.
Consider a security system with a smart video doorbell
If you’re working late, a security system can give you the reassurance of knowing your child has arrived safely. You can get a smart video doorbell and set up notifications so that you see when someone is outside your front door. With your smart security system, you can also make sure your child has locked the door—and even lock it remotely if they forget using a smart door lock.
If someone comes to your house when you’re still at work and your children are home, you can see the visitor on your screen and speak to the person directly through your phone. That way, your children never have to answer the door.
At GardaWorld, we’re happy to send you a free quote for a security system that includes a smart video doorbell and smart door lock. You can also add a smart thermostat, light module, and more, to ensure your kids are cozy and safe when you’re working late. Give us a call at 1 833 GARDA 33 (1 833 427 3233) or request a quote online.