The first day of school is always stressful for parents, especially if they don’t have the time or ability to guide their children to school. However, there are safety tips that parents and students can follow to make sure everyone arrives safely on the first day of the new school year. 

Many students that live in close proximity to school usually walk to school, saving their parents time and money. Parents should sit down with their kids and plan out a set route that their children won’t stray from. After the route has been set, parents should walk the path with their children and point out any potential dangers, like busy roads and abandoned buildings.

Children, of course, should never talk to strangers and should try and walk to school with siblings or with friends. Kids should be taught of safety points they can go to if they feel in danger – library, church or a trusted neighbor’s home. 

Instead of walking, some kids prefer to ride their bikes or scooters for faster transportation. Parents should make sure that their kids are wearing a helmet that meets U.S. safety standards and should consider adding extra protection, like elbow or kneepads. 

Finally, school buses offer an alternative method for families that live too far to walk/bike to school and parents don’t have time to drop their kids off at school. However, even taking the school bus has its own set of rules. Kids should always arrive five minutes early, always stand in plain view of the driver and never walk behind the bus. 

Keep these safety tips in mind and have a great first day back at school.