Back-to-School Safety Tips

As back-to-school season approaches, the excitement of new beginnings is in the air. While this can be a thrilling time for young students, it also brings concerns for parents about their children’s safety outside the home. To help ease this transition and provide peace of mind, we've compiled a list of essential back-to-school safety tips for you and your child. From weather preparation to school bus safety, our list covers a wide range of topics to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable school year.

Backpack Safety Essentials

The humble backpack is more than just a place to keep school supplies. It’s also a daily load your child must carry to and from school. Depending on your child’s age and the type of school they attend, they may also have to carry their backpack around between classes. When shopping for backpacks, consider the size and design of each bag in relation to your child’s frame. Look for a backpack with comfortable shoulder straps and ample padding. Wheeled backpacks may be a good option for students who need to carry heavier loads, but be sure to check with your child’s school to ensure that wheeled backpacks are permissible.

Staying Cool and Hydrated

With the joy of summer extending into the school season, it’s crucial to protect your children from the heat. Dress them in light, breathable clothing and send them to school with layers to accommodate weather changes and chilly classrooms. If your child has a field trip or special outside activity coming up, check with their teacher to see if you can send them to school with extra sunscreen. Many teachers will also allow students to carry a water bottle with them throughout the day. If possible, select an insulated bottle that can maintain a cool temperature.

Pedestrian Safety

Take some time to educate your children on safe pedestrian practices. Teach them basic safety rules like:

• Always stop at the curb
• Look both ways before crossing the street
• Use crosswalks whenever possible
• Obey crossing guards and traffic signals
• Avoiding distractions like phones or earbuds while walking

Kids learn by watching us — so remember to demonstrate these practices anytime you’re out and about with your little ones.

School Bus Safety

If your child is going to ride the bus, go over the following basic bus safety rules with them:

• Wait calmly on the sidewalk at the bus stop
• Never walk behind the bus
• Approach the bus only after it has come to a complete stop
• Board and exit the bus using the handrail
• Stay seated and listen to the bus driver at all times

School Drop-Offs & Carpooling

The start of a new school year is an excellent time to clean your child’s car seat, check your installation, and review car seat fitment guidelines. Take some time to go over the instructions and checklists in your user guide to help ensure that your child is riding safely. We also recommend scheduling an appointment with a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) — a trained educator who can help you understand best practices for car seat use. If other caregivers will be responsible for getting your child to and from school throughout the year, invite them to your CPST appointment as well.
If you’ll be driving your child to school or sharing carpool duties, make a commitment to diligent road safety. In our fast-paced lives, it’s all too easy to become lenient about the rules of the road — but when it comes to keeping children safe, there’s no room for compromise. Make the driver’s seat a distraction-free zone by putting away your cell phone and keeping your eyes on the road. Obey school zone speed limits and stay alert as you drive through school drop-off lines, keeping an eye out for pedestrians. Also, confirm the drop-off and pick-up procedures with your child’s school, as these may change from year to year.

Awareness Around Strangers

As you help your child get ready for the school year, instruct them on the importance of not interacting with or accepting rides from strangers. Help them memorize their home address and your cell phone and/or work number in case of emergencies. Role-play various scenarios to reinforce how they should respond if approached, keeping the guidance clear and age appropriate. Remind them never to leave school grounds without permission or an approved adult.

If your child’s school has an approved pickup list, be sure to review this list before the school year starts and update it if needed.

A Community of Care

Preparing your child with these back-to-school safety tips is a fantastic way to help ensure their well-being and create a community where every child is looked after. We welcome you to share your own back-to-school safety tips with us on social media. Your insights can be a valuable resource for other parents navigating this significant milestone.

Preparing your child with these back-to-school safety tips is a fantastic way to help ensure their well-being and create a community where every child is looked after. We welcome you to share your own back-to-school safety tips with us on Instagram and Facebook. Your insights can be a valuable resource for other parents navigating this significant milestone. At Britax, our commitment extends beyond providing safe travel gear for your children. We aim to be a trusted resource, offering guidance and support for every stage of your parenting journey. By preparing your child with these foundational safety practices, you can feel confident that they’re equipped to navigate their school days securely and happily.