As the school year begins across Missouri, students, parents, and educators prepare for a new academic season. Alongside the excitement of learning and extracurricular activities, it is important to focus on personal safety. With the influx of students walking to school, boarding buses, and spending time on campus, prioritizing safety can prevent potential risks and accidents. Below are essential tips and strategies to ensure everyone stays safe during this busy season.
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Whether walking to school, waiting for the bus, or spending time on campus, students should always be aware of their surroundings. Encourage children to stay off their phones and pay attention to traffic, other pedestrians, and unfamiliar behavior. Teaching situational awareness early on helps prevent accidents and gives students the confidence to recognize when something feels off.
2. Safe Routes to School
Parents should plan and practice safe routes to school with their children. Walking in groups or with a buddy adds a layer of security. In addition, children should be instructed to cross streets at designated crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and avoid shortcuts through alleys or isolated areas. Schools can also promote safe walking and biking routes by collaborating with local law enforcement and transportation departments.
3. School Bus Safety
For students who rely on buses, understanding bus safety rules is critical. Children should wait for the bus in a safe and designated location away from the road and approach it only when it has come to a complete stop. While on the bus, students should remain seated, avoid distractions, and respect the driver’s instructions. Teaching kids to be patient and follow the rules ensures their safety and that of their peers.
4. Digital Safety
With the prevalence of technology in education, digital safety is more important than ever. Parents should discuss the importance of privacy, avoiding oversharing personal information, and recognizing online threats. Schools can help by implementing robust cybersecurity policies and educating students about cyberbullying, phishing scams, and the responsible use of social media platforms.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Every school should have a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan in place, and students need to be familiar with it. This includes knowing how to respond to fire alarms, tornado warnings, or lockdown procedures. Parents can also work with their children to establish personal safety plans at home, ensuring they know how to reach a trusted adult if needed.
6. Stranger Danger
While schools are generally safe spaces, it’s important to remind students about “stranger danger.” Encourage children not to talk to or accept rides from people they don’t know, and to report any suspicious behavior immediately to a trusted adult. This advice extends to after-school hours, especially for students involved in extracurricular activities who may be walking home later in the day.
7. Traffic Safety
With the increase in cars around school zones, drivers should be extra cautious during drop-off and pick-up times. Speed limits should be strictly observed, and extra care taken to watch for children crossing streets or getting on and off buses. School zones are high-traffic areas, and slowing down can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.
8. Open Communication
Perhaps the most crucial safety measure is fostering open communication between parents, students, and school staff. Children should feel comfortable reporting any concerns, whether it’s bullying, unsafe behavior, or something that doesn’t feel right. Regularly checking in with your child about their day and any safety concerns can make a world of difference.
As students settle into the new school year in Missouri, personal safety should remain a top priority. By working together, parents, schools, and communities can ensure that children have the tools and knowledge to protect themselves both on and off campus. By reinforcing safety habits, we can create a secure and positive environment for all students to thrive.
