As the new school year begins, Bailey & Glasser, LLP wants to remind families of key tips to keep children safe and healthy this school year. From making sure your child travels safely to school each day, and preventing school-related injuries, to protecting their online safety, here are some essential tips to ensure our children stay safe throughout the school year:
1. Walking and Biking: If your child is walking or biking to school, review and practice the route together. Teach kids to look both ways before crossing the street, always follow traffic signals, and use crosswalks. Remind children to stay alert and avoid distracted walking or biking. If biking, ensure your child always wears a properly fitting helmet and bright clothing.
2. Bus Riders: If your child takes the bus to school, teach them to stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus. They should only board the bus after it has come to a complete stop and if they must cross the street, do so only when the driver and child can see one another.
3. Teen Drivers: If you have a teenager driving to school, make sure that they always wear their seat belts and refrain from distracted driving.
4. Backpack Basics: Ensure backpacks are not too heavy. They should weigh no more than 5-10% of your child’s body weight.
5. Emergency Contacts: Make sure your child knows their address, phone number, and how to contact you in case of an emergency.
6. Online Safety: Encourage open communication with your child. Let your child know they can talk to you or a teacher if they are bullied or if they encounter online predators. Be vigilant of your child’s social media usage.
For more detailed online safety tips, watch this recorded webinar hosted by BG partner Sharon Iskra, the firm’s Institutional Abuse & Neglect team leader, as she discusses keeping children and teens safe from online predators, found here.
For additional back-to-school tips, visit the National Safety Council: School Safety Checklist here.
Stay safe and have a great school year!
#BackToSchool #SafetyFirst #BaileyGlasser