I take matters of safety seriously. Especially when it comes to the safety of our children in schools. Thus, I have compiled some resources and tips for you to pass on to your children – including those who are off to college. Please feel free to share your own helpful information in the comment section below.
Walking to School
Sadly we live in a world where the simple task of walking to school can be unsafe. Please be sure to have your young children walk to school or a school bus stop supervised by an adult or a responsible teen-ager.
- TIP: Have your child carry ID in case they become lost or there is a medical emergency.
RESOURCES
- If found this great tip sheet to share about how to walk to school safely.
- Children’s Hospital compiled this information. SAFETY TIPS
- A lot of pertinent information via SAFE KIDS
Walking on Campus
Our “children” who walk on college campuses also are at risk for their safety. Please consider enrolling them in a personal safety workshop or course prior to their first day of college life. And, consider providing them, where allowed, safety tools such as pepper spray.
DamselProGal.com , by the Safety Advocate, is a website where you will find much information about personal safety for coeds.
Related: Crimes on College Campus Report
TIP: Having an ID with medical and important data can be a lifesaver, especially if the student has a chronic condition, such as epilepsy or diabetes. Also, having ICE on the phone contact list is recommended by many emergency personnel. (In Case of Emergency = ICE)
On the Bus
Please help your child feel safe when riding on the bus by instructing them how to sit near the bus driver if they feel bullied (and how to safely report any bulling).
Also, wearing available seat belts, know how to evacuate a bus, and how to call for help are also important steps in riding safely to and from school.
A school safety video from the National Safety Council can be found here to share or watch below with your child:
Driving with School Buses on the Road
NEVER EVER EVER PASS A SCHOOL BUS WITH THEIR LIGHTS FLASHING or THEIR SAFETY ARM ENGAGED! IT IS AGAINST THE LAW!
A 2014 survey of more than 97,000 school bus drivers found more than 75,000 drivers illegally zoomed past school buses dropping off or picking up passengers in a single day. (Forbes: Read more)
Teach Your Child About SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
When we are distracted we make easy targets. That is why we need to remind ourselves and our children to be aware of our surroundings and to not be so involved in technology that we forget. Predators look for vulnerable people including those who are on their cell phones or texting.
All Day Long… If You See Something, Say Something.
Children should feel safe walking and while at school, but the sad fact is that we do have a long list of schools that have been the center of school violence. There are no easy answers, but the Sandy Hook Promise organization, has developed several initiatives for school safety. Please take time to review their information and share.
New from Sandy Hook Promise: Say Hello Program
