Keep your kids safe while at school

Many parents breathe a sigh of relief once their children head off to school each day, confident that they will be in a safe environment. But kids can encounter a variety of situations on their way to school, or once they arrive, that can lead to injuries or anxiety.

To help school-age children cope, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that parents and kids create a school safety plan. The following tips are a good place to start:

Transportation

•Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride the bus.

•Review bus safety rules with your child: wait for the bus to stop before approaching the curb; do not move around on the bus; check for oncoming traffic before crossing; and avoid bending down in front of the bus to tie shoes, pick up objects, etc., as the driver may not see him or her before starting to move again.

•If your child is biking to school, review the school rules for bicycles, as well as safety precautions for traffic and strangers.

Security at School

•If your child is anxious about whether he or she will be safe while at school, discuss with him or her the plans that have been established at your school to protect students’ security and to respond to emergencies and disasters.

Bullies

•Arm your child with some strategies for coping with bullies: don’t give in to the other child’s demands, but simply walk away or tell the bully to stop.

•Don’t cry or get upset, as bullies like nothing better.

•If a bullying situation persists and becomes a real problem, parents should talk to the teacher.

After School

•Be sure your child knows where to go after school (e.g., home, babysitter) and how to get there.

•If your child will be at home alone after school, be sure he or she knows who will be responsible for him or her, what the rules are, and how to get help in an emergency.

Barbara Frankowski, M.D., FAAP, Chair of the AAP’s Committee on School Health, advises, "As new situations arise throughout the school year, discussing these issues with your child will help him to feel more confident and relaxed. He will be better able to enjoy learning and socializing, and have good memories of the school year."

Your pediatrician can answer specific questions you may have about school safety. For more information, log on the AAP Website at www.aap.org.