LVMPD - Crimes Against Youth & Family

If your child will be walking to school, walk the route with him to assess its safety. Find out about traffic patterns and crossing guards. Instruct your child to stay on sidewalks and main roads rather than cutting through alleys and wooded areas that may be somewhat deserted.

Although safety rules will probably be discussed in class, do not wait for that instruction: Make your own rules specific to your child's situation. In a low-key but firm manner, tell your youngster: "These rules are one way we take care of ourselves." Reassure him that he can keep himself safe. Review these safety issues several times during the year.

If an older sibling goes to the same school, have the children walk together. Otherwise, you might find a responsible older child from your neighborhood who would be pleased to be invited to walk your youngster to school. As your children grow older, remember to look around your neighborhood for young children to help in this way.

What is the school's policy regarding checking on students who are absent? Particularly if the school encourages it, call early in the morning whenever your child is absent. This will provide an additional measure of safety for your child, since if he does not show up for school, the school secretary will be more likely to check with you.

Does the school have rules regarding bikes and/or skateboards? Some schools require helmets and locks for cyclists. Before the first day of school, review the basic safety rules with your youngster. By insisting your child wear a helmet and abide by all bicycle safety guidelines, for example, you will be encouraging a behavior that is potentially lifesaving and can become a lifetime habit. Ask the school staff if your community has a program offering low-cost or even free helmets for children; if there is no such program in your area, talk with other parents about starting one to increase the number of children wearing helmets and thus make it more socially acceptable for your own youngster to wear one. Wear your own helmet whenever you bike to model appropriate safety behavior.

The School Bus

Is bus transportation available for your child? Many parents have particular concerns about bus rides on the first day of school, and also when older youngsters riding the bus start to cause trouble. Also, what happens if a child misses the afternoon bus or is detained after school?

On your child's first day of elementary school, you might be tempted to drive her to school, particularly if she seems apprehensive about the bus ride or about starting school in general. However, except under unusual circumstances, strongly encourage your child to ride the bus that first day. Your youngster should be there if seats on the bus are assigned, and the driver needs to get used to the stop where your child will be picked up. You can take your child to the bus stop and meet her there when she returns. If your work schedule doesn't allow you to be there, arrange for another adult or an older sibling to take on this responsibility.

Review the basic bus safety rules with your youngster: Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. Do not move around on the bus; this will help avoid injuries if the driver needs to stop quickly. When disembarking, cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus and only when it is fully stopped, the red lights are flashing and the driver has signaled that it is safe. Of course, the child should also check to make sure that no other traffic is coming.

In most cases, you won't be allowed to ride on the bus with your child, even on the first day of school.. Although some parents feel better following the bus to school in their car and making sure their child finds her classroom, the school staff is usually prepared to help youngsters navigate through the school grounds on opening day.

If your child complains about trouble occurring on the bus, caused by older and/or rowdy youngsters, find out what the particular problem is and take appropriate action. If your child is being teased or harassed, encourage her to suggest some potential solutions in hopes that she can resolve the difficulty herself. If she is being hurt or is afraid for her safety, call the principal for some assistance. To minimize problems, discourage your child from bringing expensive or popular toys to play with on the bus, since they can easily become damaged when other children want to try them. Bear in mind that drivers need to concentrate on driving the bus; they have neither the time nor the training to serve as disciplinarians.

Excerpted from "Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5-12" Bantam 1999