Back to school tips for students

RBC I As a new school year begins, it’s important for parents and children to take steps to help ensure safe and enjoyable school days. Here are some age-appropriate safety tips you can share with your children as they head off to school.
For Grade-schoolers:
Know the walking route. It’s important that young children understand how to get to and from school safely. If your child walks to school, pair him or her with a walking buddy. Ask that your child stick to the same pre-determined route every day, so that in case of an emergency, you’ll know his or her whereabouts. Have your child practice looking both ways before crossing the street and remind him or her to not talk to strangers.
Understand the bus rules. If your child rides the bus to school, teach him or her about proper bus etiquette, such as remaining seated until the bus stops and the importance of walking in front of, rather than behind, the bus. The bus driver should be able to see your child at all times.
Play it safe. Playground injuries are the leading cause of injury to school children ages 5 to 14 and to children in childcare.* Inspect your local playground, making sure adequate precautions are taken to prevent and/or minimize falls. These may include safety mats or padded surfaces.
Tips for Teens:
Prevent sports injuries. Sports injuries are common among active teens, but they don’t have to be. Encourage your teen to use the right equipment (shoes, protective head gear, etc.) for his or her sport, to warm up before playing and to rest when tired. Also, remind your teen to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Lighten the load. Heavy backpacks place undo stress upon a teen’s back and shoulders, which can lead to pain, stiffness and poor posture. Help your teen lighten up by buying him or her, a quality backpack with padding and wide shoulder straps. The backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 1010 to 15 percent of your child’s body weight. If it does, remove unnecessary items. Your teen should also carry the backpack over both shoulders to evenly distribute the weight.
Tips for College Students:
Be aware of your surroundings. College students, especially new freshmen, sometimes feel that they’re immune to crime simply because they are on a college campus. Unfortunately, crime can happen anywhere.
Students should take the necessary precautions, such as traveling with a group and avoiding compromising situations to ensure their personal safety. Most colleges and universities provide security personnel who will escort students to evening classes or to other campus facilities at night.
Protect your possessions. Students should keep their belongings safe by locking dorm rooms and windows and never leaving backpacks, purses, laptops, cell phones, etc., unattended.
Safety a Priority
As you’re preparing school lunches, attending band concerts or traveling to collegiate sporting events, don’t forget to review basic safety guidelines with your children. Keeping your kids informed about safety lets them know you care and it gives them an opportunity to make good choices.
*Source: Safe Kids Worldwide, www.safekids.org