As summer comes to a close, families everywhere are preparing for the new school year. Amidst the excitement of buying new supplies and meeting new teachers, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Here are some essential tips to ensure that your children have a safe and successful start to the school year.

 

On the Way to School

Walking Safety

  • Use Sidewalks: Always walk on sidewalks or paths, and cross streets at designated crosswalks.
  • Look Both Ways: Teach children to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
  • Avoid Distractions: Encourage kids to stay alert and avoid using phones or headphones while walking.

Bus Safety

  • Arrive Early: Be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
  • Stand Back: Stand at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb.
  • Safe Boarding: Wait for the bus to stop completely before approaching it. Use the handrails when boarding.

Bicycle Safety

  • Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitting helmet when riding a bike.
  • Follow Traffic Rules: Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and use hand signals.
  • Stay Visible: Wear bright clothing and use lights or reflectors if riding in low light.

In and Around School

Playground Safety

  • Supervised Play: Ensure that playground activities are supervised by an adult.
  • Age-Appropriate Equipment: Use equipment that is suitable for the child’s age and size.
  • Safe Surfaces: Playgrounds should have soft surfaces like mulch, sand, or rubber.

Bullying Prevention

  • Open Communication: Encourage children to talk about their day and any issues they encounter.
  • Recognize Signs: Be aware of signs of bullying, such as unexplained injuries, lost belongings, or changes in behavior.
  • Report Incidents: Teach children to report bullying to a trusted adult immediately.

Stay Healthy

  • Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Stay Home if Sick: Keep children home if they show any symptoms of illness.

At Home

Homework Safety

  • Ergonomic Workspace: Create a comfortable and ergonomic workspace for homework.
  • Take Breaks: Encourage regular breaks to avoid eye strain and fatigue.
  • Good Lighting: Ensure the study area is well-lit to prevent eye strain.

Internet Safety

  • Supervised Access: Monitor your child’s online activity and set appropriate boundaries.
  • Safe Websites: Teach children to use only approved websites and apps.
  • Personal Information: Remind kids never to share personal information online.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Emergency Contacts: Ensure your child knows how to reach you and other emergency contacts.
  • School Procedures: Familiarize yourself and your child with the school’s emergency procedures.
  • Practice Drills: Conduct home drills for fire and other emergencies.

Remember, safety starts at home and continues as they step out into the world. ACT Security Group wishes everyone a happy and healthy return to school!

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