subject: School Safety Tips to Practice with your Child [print this page] School Safety Tips to Practice with your Child
For ten months out of the year children attend school where for a few hours a day they are somebody else's responsibility in keeping them safe from harm. For parents, putting their child's safety in another's hands is not always easy. Schools should be a safe haven for children, and most take high security measure in ensuring those children's safety. Such precautions would include installing wireless duress alarm system throughout the building. However, there are other precautions parent should take to ensure their children's safety within the few minutes those children are going to and coming home from their day. Continue reading for tips on what precautions you as a parent should take to ensure your child's safety.
If your child walks to school you should make sure the routes they take is the most direct route possible. A good idea would to walk with your child at least the first day so you know the route, how long it takes, and if there are any potential hazards. Take note of any intersections they may have to cross and make sure there is a crossing guard available to help your child cross the busy street. It would also be a good idea to introduce yourself to the crossing guard, that way they know who you are and who your child is. Another strategy is to research what other children in your neighborhood walk to school. Then you can encourage your child to use the buddy system, so you know they will not be walking alone.
Parents who drive their children to school should always drop them off in front of the door and should not drive away until they witness their child walk safely inside of the building. If your child takes the bus to school teach them proper bus stop etiquette. They should never go into the street. Your child should also know to never approach the school bus until it come to a complete stop.
In school building there are authority figures all around enforcing school safety and the building itself is protected by a wireless duress alarm system and other security features. However, when on the playground security is more relaxed. Teach your child how to act safe on the playground and avoid pushing, shoving, or crowding while on the equipment.
In case any strangers should wonder onto school property ensure your child knows to never talk to anyone that you do not know well or do not trust. You should also be practicing with your child their home phone number, and address.
