6 Tips to Keep You and Your Child Safe This School Year
Between meeting old and new classmates, signing up for after-school activities, and all the other comings and goings involved with returning to school, it’s easy to get distracted. However, following basic precautions such as those below can help ensure a safer, more enjoyable school year for your child and family.
Weather. No matter if you live in a warm or cool climate, it is essential to keep weather conditions front and center of mind. Whenever possible, children and young adults should dress in layers to help ensure they are ready for temperature changes and moving from indoor to outdoor activities. Some doctors recommend the “you plus one” rule: Whatever number of layers you are comfortable wearing as an adult, add an additional layer for a child. Also, remember that UV light can be intense even on cloudy days, so sunscreen is essential for outdoor sports. A hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens should be worn in colder climates once the temperature drops. A top waterproof layer and shoes protect against wind, rain, and snow.
Hydration. Studies show dehydration can negatively affect mood, memory, and visual perception, which, in turn, can lessen a child’s ability to learn, making it vital for kids to stay hydrated. Experts recommend drinking 8 ounces of water first thing in the morning as it is one of the best times to hydrate. A refillable water bottle can help ensure children have access to water throughout the day. This is especially important for kids participating in sports or other physical activity.
Germs. There’s a reason teachers and parents commonly refer to the “back-to-school plague.” On average, elementary school children bring home between six and eight colds per school year, which often spread to entire families. According to the CDC, one of the best preventative measures is to clean home surfaces and disinfect high-touch areas, such as door knobs and light switches. And don’t forget personal items. Studies show a computer keyboard can carry up to 400 times more germs than a toilet seat and that items like backpacks, phones, and keys harbor up to hundreds of thousands of germs.
Food allergies. Most parents of children with food allergies know what foods to avoid to keep them safe and out of the emergency room. However, it is essential to explain to children, especially young toddlers, the importance of not sharing food with others who may have an allergic reaction. It is also best to avoid sending lunches and snacks containing common allergens such as peanuts. Knowing if your child spends time with students with known food allergies can also help.
Electronics. Knowing when and why your child is using the internet for school should be a priority. Children visiting inappropriate sites or engaging in conversations with strangers through unsupervised social media can lead to devastating outcomes. Supervise homework so you know when internet research is needed. Talk to children about the pluses—and potential dangers—of the internet and social media and appropriate and inappropriate use. Let them know bullying or electronic harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and that they should let you know if they witness any instances of it. Let them know that their internet privileges will be immediately revoked and what the consequences will be if your rules are not followed. Monitor your child’s electronic usage with a tracking system if problems persist, including their phones, which are the primary communication for today’s youth and young adults.
Transportation. School safety does not begin and end with the classroom or your children. If you drive your children to school, you need to serve as a good and safe example. Traffic regulations, including following speed limits, wearing seat belts, avoiding texting, and stopping for school buses loading and unloading must be followed at all times. Serious conversations should be reserved after the car is parked to avoid accidents caused by distracted driving. Overly aggressive driving or road rage is unacceptable. Meanwhile, young children should not be allowed to wait at bus stops without supervision, and children must understand the importance of obeying crossing guards and traffic signals. Children should also be educated to never get into a strange vehicle under any circumstances and to immediately report to you and/or their teacher anyone trying to get them to do so.
