Ensure Back-to-School Safety with Key Tips for Parents and Children

As children prepare to return to school, parents are reminded of the essential safety measures that can help ensure a secure journey. With various modes of transportation—walking, biking, or taking the bus—families should take proactive steps to enhance safety.

Essential Safety Guidelines for Parents and Children

Establishing a family walking safety rule is crucial. This includes using sidewalks when available, looking both ways before crossing streets, and making eye contact with drivers to ensure they see the children. For those riding bicycles, parents should instruct their children on the rules of the road. This means riding single file on the right side, in the same direction as traffic, while remaining alert and avoiding distractions. It is vital for young cyclists to wear a properly fitted helmet and bright-colored clothing to increase visibility.

For children taking the bus, parents should consider walking them to the bus stop. They should teach their children to stand at least 6 feet from the curb—approximately three steps—as a precaution. If crossing in front of the bus is necessary, children should walk along the side of the road until they are about 10 feet ahead of the bus, ensuring they can be seen by the driver.

In a technology-driven age, allowing children to carry a cellphone to and from school can enhance safety. While many institutions prohibit phone use during school hours, having a phone can provide a vital means of communication in emergencies.

Parental Awareness and Communication

Parents should take additional safety precautions by keeping an up-to-date photo and description of their child. This information can be invaluable in the unfortunate event that a child goes missing, facilitating a quicker response from authorities. Schools typically have emergency safety plans, and parents are encouraged to inquire about these measures. While full public disclosure of these plans may not be advisable, parents should have the right to view them upon request.

Staying informed through school communications is essential. Parents should ensure they receive all school emails and notifications. Additionally, signing up for local police department alerts can provide crucial updates related to safety concerns.

Children need to be educated about recognizing and reporting suspicious activities. If they notice anything unusual, such as a stranger loitering near the school or a car repeatedly passing by, they should feel empowered to report it. As emphasized by former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel, it is better to overreport than to underreport potentially dangerous situations.

If children witness or hear threats, they must know to report them immediately, whether to a teacher or another responsible adult. This proactive approach can help prevent escalation and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

Lastly, parents should take any reports of bullying seriously, as it is against the law in many areas, including Illinois. If a situation seems serious enough to warrant police involvement, parents should not hesitate to contact the authorities. While such interactions may not always lead to arrests, they ensure that incidents are thoroughly investigated.

During the back-to-school season, parents can expect increased police patrols around schools during drop-off and dismissal times. Officers will be present on foot and in marked vehicles, especially during after-school events and practices. The visible presence of law enforcement serves as a deterrent to potential criminal behavior, reinforcing the commitment to keeping children safe.

As the new school year approaches, parents, children, and law enforcement must work together to create a safe environment for learning. Staying informed and vigilant is a shared responsibility that can foster a secure atmosphere for all students.