Going to and From School Safely - Tips for Parents and Guardians

Starting soon millions of children around the country will take to the streets to get to and from school. For many children this experience will be a new one, and they may not know some basic safety rules. Young children do not have the same frame of reference for safety as adults do. They may not “look before they leap”, which is why it is so important for families to practice safety skills with their children. The tips below will help prepare them for a safer journey.

Instruct your children to always take a friend with them and walk and never take shortcuts or go into isolated areas. When walking and biking teach them to stay aware of their surroundings and observe all traffic rules to safely share the roads and sidewalks with others.
Walk the route to and from school with your children. Point out landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to and from school. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for supervision at the bus stop.
If anyone bothers your children while going to or from school, teach them to immediately get away from that person and tell you or another trusted adult. Instruct your children to never accept money or gifts from anyone unless you have told them it is okay.
Ensure current and accurate emergency contact information is on file for your children at their school. If you, or another trusted family member or friend, need to pick your children up, make sure to follow your school’s departure procedures.
Teach your children if anyone tries to take them somewhere they should quickly get away and yell, “This person is not my father/mother/etc.” If anyone tries to grab them, teach them to make a scene and every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
Teach your children if anyone follows them on foot, to get away from that person as quickly as possible. If anyone follows them in a vehicle they should turn around, go in the other direction, and try to get to a spot where a trusted adult can help them. Advise them to tell you or another trusted adult what happened.
Instruct your children to never leave school with anyone they don’t know. If anyone tells them there is an emergency and they want your children to go with them, teach your children to always check first with you first. Remind your children to check first with you if the want to change their plans before or after school. Instruct your children to tell you or another trusted adult if they notice anyone they don’t know or feel comfortable hanging around them.
Remember to practice these safety rules with your children to make certain they understand them. Make the walk to and from school a “teachable moment” and a chance to put their skills to test. Teach your children to trust their feelings.