As parents, we want nothing more than to keep our kids safe. That’s why it’s important to know how we can help them stay safe while at school. Every parent’s worst nightmare is getting a call from their child’s school saying that something has happened to them. Unfortunately, accidents and emergencies happen, but there are ways to help prevent them. There are some simple things we can do as parents to help keep our kids safe while they’re at school. Here are nine tips to keep in mind.
1. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings
Teach your kids to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This means knowing who is around them, being aware of potential dangers, and knowing how to get help if they need it. This is an important safety skill that can help keep them safe at school and in other situations.
2. Set up alerts or use a tracking app
Let your kids know that they can always set up a signal with you if they feel unsafe. This could be a code word, hand gesture, or text message. There are also apps like the Saferwatch app that can help send alerts which will help in situations like an in-school emergency. Tracking apps can help you see where your child is at all times. Knowing their location and that they are safe can give you peace of mind.
3. Set boundaries and expectations
Be sure to set up boundaries and expectations with your kids about their safety. This includes knowing not to talk to strangers, staying in well-lit areas, and being aware of their surroundings. Also, keep in mind the following:
Stranger Danger
One of the most important things to discuss with your kids is the danger of strangers. Teach them to be aware of who is around them and what they are doing. Tell them not to talk to strangers, no matter how friendly they may seem. It is important to set these boundaries and expectations early on so they know how to avoid dangerous situations.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is another serious issue that kids need to be aware of. Teach your children the signs of cyberbullying and talk with them about how to handle it, whether it is happening to them or someone else. Show them how to block and report people who are bullying them online and how to stay safe while using the internet.
Personal information
Kids need to be careful about sharing personal information online or with strangers. Teach your kids not to give out their name, address, phone number, or school information to anyone they don’t know. Explain why. This can help protect them from predators and other dangers.
4. Plan for emergencies
Make sure your kids know what to do in an emergency, including who to call, where to go, and what to do if they can’t get in touch with you. Here are a few additional ways you can plan for emergencies:
Teach them how to handle difficult situations
It’s important to teach your kids how to handle challenging situations. They should know how to get help if they need it and be able to stand up for themselves. By knowing how to best manage difficult situations, children have a better chance of staying safe, not only in school but in other scenarios as well.
Discuss safety precautions for walking
Talk to your kids about how to stay safe when walking to and from school. Be sure to tell them to stay on well-lit streets and be hyper-aware of their surroundings at all times. If possible, walk with your children to and from school until they are comfortable doing it on their own.
Help them create a buddy system
Encourage your kids to buddy up with classmates to stay safe at school. This way, there is always someone watching out for them, and they have someone to rely on in case of an emergency.
5. Remind them to trust their instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Teach your children to go with their gut feeling. Trusting their instincts will help them stay safe when they might otherwise be tempted to take unnecessary risks.
6. Teach them to be assertive
Kids need to know how to stand up for themselves. Being assertive and speaking up when something isn’t right can help ensure their safety. It also means knowing how to say “no” if someone tries to pressure them into doing something they don’t want to do.
7. Have open communication so they will tell you if something happens
No matter what, your kids should know that they can always come to you if something happens. This includes being bullied, feeling unsafe, or witnessing/experiencing something they know is wrong. Make sure they know you’re always there for them and that you’ll never be mad at them for telling you the truth.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your kids safe is to maintain open lines of communication open. This means being available to talk to them about anything and everything, no matter what it is. It also means being willing to listen without judgment and really hearing what they have to say.
8. Review the school’s safety policies
Every school should have safety policies in place in case of an emergency, including lockdown procedures and evacuation plans. Review these policies with your children, so they know what to expect and do in case of an incident.
9. Get to know the school staff
It’s important to get to know the staff at your children’s school, including their teachers and administrators. Learn their names and how to contact them. This way, you can be sure that your kids are in good hands and that they’re being well-cared for while at school.
Final Thoughts
Parents must be proactive in teaching their children how to stay safe while at school. So, discuss potential dangers, set boundaries, and expectations, and plan for emergencies. It is also important for parents to keep the lines of communication open with their children so that they can talk about anything and everything. Try using alert apps like the Saferwatch App, and teach online safety. By doing these things, parents can help keep their kids at safe at all times.
Like this article? Check out our other articles for parents here.
