Back-to-school buzz: Safety tips for kids

From fresh faces and bright backpacks to different classes and new teachers. Fall is a thrilling time for many kids.

But while youngsters focus on fun and learning – remember that safety shouldn’t slip too low on their radar screens.

The trek to school

Open up a map. Do a little digging and check out the most direct way of get to your child’s school. The fewer streets to cross the better. Also advise against cutting across empty fields or parking lots and show them the way beforehand.

“Stop, look and listen.” Teach kids this easy mantra and encourage them to use it when traveling without you. Show them how to use a crosswalk and let them know they shouldn’t be skateboarding or biking across the street.

Pair them up. Brother, sister, friend or neighbor – be sure your kids have someone to walk with.

Be cautious of strangers. If you or your children don’t know someone well – accepting gifts and rides from them isn’t a good idea. Instead protect your kids by telling them not to talk to strangers.

Put a helmet on. Forgo a good hair day and make sure your children wear helmets when riding to school. Biking is a lot of fun, but accidents happen.

Playtime. Jungle gyms and gravel don’t always mix well. Each year approx. 29,000 children are treated for playground injuries. (Canadian Pediatric Society) Check your nearby playground for sand, pea gravel or rubber mats. These are safety precautions that all playgrounds should have.

Avoid drawstrings. Prevent snags and catches on bus doors by removing around-the-neck drawstrings. Drawstrings circling the waistline and bottom of jackets should similarly be no longer than 3-inches long.