As backpacks are packed and routines begin again, back-to-school season is an exciting time for many families. But it also brings new environments, new people, and new challenges — especially when it comes to child safety. Just like we remind kids to wear helmets in the summer, we must also equip them with rules that help protect their physical, emotional, and digital well-being during the school year. Below are five essential safety tips every parent and guardian should share with children before the new school year begins:1
Know and Respect Your Body Boundaries
- Children should understand NO one has the right to touch them without their consent
- If someone tries to cross a boundary — even another child or a trusted adult — they have the right to say “no,” move away, and tell a safe adult
- Reinforce open communication, and ensure them they can talk to you about anything, anytime
Be a Safety Expert — Even When You’re on Your Own
- Walking to school: practice the route, use crosswalks, walk with a buddy and avoid distractions
- Riding the bus: wait safely away from traffic, only cross when the stop sign is out and never get off at the wrong stop or with an unknown adult
- Strangers: remind children never to accept rides, gifts or directions from people they don’t know
Stay Safe Online and On Social Media
- Never share personal information, such as their full name, school, or location online
- Use privacy settings on all apps and avoid platforms without age-appropriate protections
- Understand that anything they post or share can follow them forever
Know What to Do in an Emergency
- Someone getting hurt: call for help and stay with the person
- Feeling sick or unsafe: tell a teacher, school nurse or trusted adult immediately
- Lockdowns, fire drills, or shelter-in-place: practice staying calm, listening to directions, and understanding that drills don’t always mean danger
Speak Up — It’s Always Okay to Tell
- If someone is being hurt, bullied, or touched inappropriately — tell
- If they see something dangerous, like drugs, weapons, or unsafe behavior — tell
- If something doesn’t feel right — tell
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to start, or refresh, safety conversations with your child. And the more we empower kids with knowledge, the more we strengthen their confidence and resilience. Help your child understand that safety isn’t about fear — it’s about strength.1 Let’s give our kids the tools they need to have a safe, supported, and empowered school year. If you are interested in becoming an Advocate for the Innocent member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/.
1 – https://ckash.com/2023/09/24/9-back-to-school-safety-tips-every-family-should-know/