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School Safety

Posted on: 09/10/2009

Back to School Safety
 
One box of 24 Crayola Crayons…check.  Four Elmer’s Glue sticks…check.  Eight #2 pencils…check.   Two boxes of Kleenex…check.   One container of hand sanitizer…check.  (And did you label everything?)  Hopefully, all of our children are getting back into the swing of things and you have gotten everything on their supply list.  But one thing we should also refresh and remember is school safety.

Depending on where you live, children may be walking to and from school. Kids’ smaller size makes them difficult for drivers to see, especially if they’re standing between parked cars on the side of the road.   It is important to make sure children have an older buddy to accompany them.  Children have a hard time conceptualizing how far away a car or truck is and therefore may cross when it is unsafe.  Make sure they know the rules of the road and they cross with a crossing guard.

Children who take the bus are less at risk for injury, but still need to be aware of the rules.  They need to remain seated throughout the whole bus ride and get up only when the bus has arrived at their designated stop.  Bus drivers will be using hand signals to cross children safely in the event that their driveway is on the opposite side of the street.  Remind children that it is very important to listen to the bus driver.

As children get older their classes are spread father apart and their books get bigger and heavier.  Therefore, it is important for them to have a reliable and sturdy backpack. Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints.  This can lead to shoulder and back pain.

Backpacks should have wide, padded shoulder straps.  Both straps should be used to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed. Tote bags and messenger bags are therefore not ideal, even though they are the style.  A padded back also protects against sharp objects in the pack and will increase comfort.  It might be worthwhile to see if you can purchase another set of books to keep at home.  This will at least minimize the load to and from school.

Preventing playground injuries is hard.  It is important that schools keep equipment in good working order.  But even so, accidents will happen.  Children should use slides, swings and climbing apparatuses appropriately.

Now that the first day jitters are over, you can focus on having a healthy, happy and productive school year.  Make sure you remind your children about the importance of safety at school.  Knowledge begins at home!