The clock is ticking down to the start of a new school year. My kids are already moaning about it but I must admit, I’m going to be ready for them to go back – they’re definitely starting to get on each other’s nerves!
Whether this is the first year or the last for your kids heading off to school, it’s important to consider some safety issues. And since many of them will be riding the bus to school, safety starts there.
My youngest is so excited about riding the bus to kindergarten as her older brother and sister have been doing for years! A few days prior to school starting my district allows each kindergartener to take a “tour” of the bus and see what it’s about. Unfortunately not every school district requires their buses to have seat belts which I think is a big mistake. But, either way, make sure your child knows to buckle her seat belt if there is one or to remain seated for the entire ride.
Also, be sure to teach children to wait to cross the street until the bus stop sign and red lights flash and also to still look both ways. I’ve witnessed far too many instances of vehicles passing school buses even when their stop sign is out (twice it was women in mini-vans who were talking on their phones!)
Review with your school district and the bus company what their policy is about dropping off children. Some require younger kids to be met at the bus stop by a parent or guardian but unfortunately there have been many instances in which a child has been dropped off and, for some reason or another, a parent or other adult hasn’t been there. Be sure you review with your child what they should do if this happens – tell the bus driver to take them back to school and ask to have their parents called.
Often times the children riding on the bus are a mix of ages and unfortunately it’s a prime spot for bullying to occur. The lines are extremely grey as to who is responsible for bullying incidents on the bus. Many schools will say that, since this is occurring off of school property, they are not responsible. Let your child know that if they are being bullied in any way they should wait until the bus stops and then go inform the bus driver. When they get off the bus they should also inform you so that you can bring this up with their teacher.
*Content expressed in Home Security Source does not represent the thoughts and opinions of ADT Security Services, Inc. unless explicitly indicated.