As summer draws to a close, back-to-school season is in full effect. Remember to safely share the roads with school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists, and provide children with the necessary knowledge to stay safe at school.
Backpack Safety:
- Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
- Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.
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For example, a child that weighs 60 pounds should carry a backpack no heavierthan 12 pounds
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- Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles
Bus Stop Safety:
- Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
- Make sure your child walks where she can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see her, too).
- Remind your student to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street, just in case traffic does not stop as required.
- Your child should not move around on the bus.
- Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
Biking to School:
- Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
- Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
- Use appropriate hand signals.
- Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
- Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility. White or light-colored clothing and reflective gear is especially important after dark.
Playground Safety:
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MA supervisor must always be present when children are at the school’s playground. Make sure your school has someone who monitors the playgrounds at all times.
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Alert the school if you notice anything strange about the playground equipment at your child’s school.
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Playground equipment should be surrounded by shock-absorbing material that is at least nine inches
