Back to School Safety

Back to School Safety Tips

As the school year begins, the Woodstock Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of all students. Whether they’re walking to school, riding the bus, or being driven, we’ve put together some essential safety tips to help parents, students, and drivers keep everyone safe.

1. Avoid Personalized Backpacks

While it might be tempting to put your child’s name on their backpack, doing so can make them more vulnerable to strangers who may use their name to gain their trust. Instead, opt for non-personalized backpacks and labels.

2. Teach Children to be Aware of Their Surroundings

Encourage your children to always be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking to and from school. Remind them to avoid distractions like texting or listening to music with both earbuds in, so they can stay alert. 

3. Use the Buddy System

Whenever possible, have your child walk to school with a friend or group. There's safety in numbers, and it’s a great way for kids to build social skills.

4. Know the Route

Parents should familiarize themselves with the route their child takes to school. Walk the route with them a few times to ensure they know it well and discuss any potential hazards, such as busy streets, poorly lit areas and short cuts like walking paths. Encourage your child to take the same route every day. 

5. Bus Safety

• Waiting for the Bus: Teach children to stand at least five big steps back from the curb while waiting for the bus.
• Getting On and Off the Bus: Remind children to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens before approaching. Always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see them.
• Inside the Bus: Children should remain seated, facing forward, and follow the bus driver’s instructions.

6. Street Crossing Safety

• Crosswalks: Always use designated crosswalks and wait for the pedestrian signal before crossing.
• Look All Directions: Remind your child to look left, right, front and behind and left again before crossing any street, even if they have the right of way.
• Eye Contact: Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them to ensure they are seen.

7. Understanding Safe and Unsafe Strangers

It's important for children to know that while some strangers may pose a risk, others might be their lifeline in emergencies. Teach your child to identify "safe strangers" such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, and store employees, who they can approach if they need help. Encourage them to trust their instincts and seek out these safe adults if they ever feel unsafe or lost. For young children, adult supervision is the best course of action, otherwise remember to use the buddy system. 

8. Helmet Safety

If your child rides a bike, scooter, or skateboard to school, ensure they always wear a helmet. The helmet should fit properly using the 2V1 rule:

• 2: Ensure there's a 2-finger width between the helmet and your child's eyebrows.
• V: The side straps should form a "V" shape under each ear.
• 1: Only 1 finger should fit between the chin and the chin strap when fastened.

It's also important for your child to know the rules of the road, such as riding in the same direction as traffic if there is no sidewalk and using hand signals. A properly fitted helmet and understanding of road safety can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

9. For Drivers: School Zone Safety

• Slow Down: Always reduce your speed in school zones and be extra cautious during school hours.
• Watch for Kids: Be on the lookout for children who may be walking or biking to school, especially at crosswalks, intersections and darting out between vehicles.
• No Distractions: Don't use your phone or any other distractions while driving, particularly in school zones.

10. Emergency Contacts

Ensure your child knows important phone numbers, including your contact information and emergency services. It’s also a good idea to have a list of these numbers in their backpack if they don't have a cell phone.

11. Cyber Safety

Talk to your child about the importance of online safety. Remind them not to share personal information, like their school or home address, with strangers online and to report any suspicious behavior to a trusted adult.

By following these tips, we can all contribute to a safer school year for our children. The Woodstock Police Service is here to support you—if you have any concerns or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Stay safe, and have a great school year!