Schools

Back to School: Tips for Kids' Personal Safety

Before children head back to school, parents need to sit them down for a safety primer.

The summer days are quickly coming to a close. Students will return to the classroom, some in this week.

As parents prepare to send the kids back to school, personal safety conversations should be taking place before children return to class, according to the . The city has offered tips to help children stay safe.

One very important conversation for children who walk to school is to point out the “helping hand” houses they will find along their walking route. These are houses where children can go when they need emergency adult assistance.

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Parents are also encouraged to walk with their child along the route to familiarize them with the path.

The safety rules parents should discuss include:

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Buddy system: Children should walk to or from school with a buddy because there is safety in numbers. For children who ride the bus, parents and children should visit the bus stop together and make sure they know the bus route number.

Walk-ride in well-lit area; don’t take short cuts: Parents need to tell children to avoid areas where they can’t be seen or heard and explain they need to stay on the “Safe Routes to School.” The city has a safe route list, which can be found here: www.naperville.il.us/walkroutes.aspx.

Use the crosswalk, follow traffic signals: Teach children how to safely cross the street and explain that children should cross with the crossing guard if one is available. Younger children should always have supervision.

Teach children, “Say No, Go, Tell”: Explain to your child that if anyone approaches him or her, whether offering a ride, asking for directions or just making him or her feel uncomfortable, instruct them to say “no,” get away from the situation “go” and “tell” a trusted adult. Discuss who trusted adults may be, such as teachers, parents, friends’ parents, neighbors, police officers, firefighters and relatives.

Have a family password: Teach children that they cannot go anywhere with anyone, family members included, unless the person knows the family password. Make sure they know not to share the password with others. Also, do role-playing activities to make them aware of situations that could occur, which show how someone who doesn’t know the password might use persuasion. Make sure children know to never leave school with anyone they have not been told to leave with.

After-school information: If children will be responsible for themselves after school, the city of Naperville has additional safety rules.  Find those tips here: www.naperville.il.us/onyourown.aspx.

Source: City of Naperville


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