As summer draws to a close, and the school year is back in session, we want to talk about a few important school safety tips. Share the roads with school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists, and provide children and those in your community with the knowledge to stay safe before, after, and during school hours. It’s the children’s job to focus on the new year, homework, learning and having fun. It’s your job to make sure they can, and are safe.
School Safety Tips to Keep in Mind This Year
Injuries are common at school—but many can be prevented. Before you send your children off, be sure to run through these safety topics.
Safe Backpacks:
Do you have trouble picking up your child’s or student’s backpack? Maybe you’ve noticed them struggling to put it on, slouching while it’s on their back, or complaining about heavy books. You are concerned for a good reason; backpacks are too heavy. Some states even have legal requirements now to lighten backpack loads.
The American Chiropractic Association recommends a backpack weigh no more than 10 percent of a child’s weight. When selecting a backpack look for the correct size, it should not be wider or longer than your child’s torso. The straps should be padded and comfortable on their shoulders. Also remember reflective material if your kids walks to school or takes the bus, for extra safety.
Playground Safety:
While playgrounds are a lot safer nowadays,without that risky metal and falling hazards, they still send children to the hospital every year. Teach your children and students about playground safety, and hopefully you wont have to kiss scraped knees, or have them learn the hard way after doing a back flip off the swings.
Does your community playground meet these safety guidelines? Does your child’s playground at school seem unsafe? Talk to your community leaders or school principal if you feel your playground is a safety hazard.
New Teen Drivers:
In the beginning of every school year, new teen drivers are showing off their ability to rule the road. Crashes spike in September as they head back to school. Learn the best ways to keep your teen drivers safe. Also remember to be patient with teen drivers when you are on the road, two wrongs don’t make a right, especially while driving.
Riding the Bus:
When sending your kid off on the school bus for the first time, you’ll have a million worries and thoughts going through your head. But, the more you know, the better you will feel. School busses are designed for safety. Ever wonder why they are bright yellow? Teach your kids these tips for their first day on the bus. Always remember to stop for school busses when you are driving, and watch out for kids crossing the street.
To double check your school safety before day one, take a look at this handy checklist. We hope you will keep these safety tips in mind this year, and share them with other parents. Wishing you a safe and happy back to school year!
