Keeping Children Safe When Going Back to School

Governor’s Office Of Crime Control and Prevention Provides School Safety Tips

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The start of the school year is exciting and stressful for children and parents, so the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention has a list of a few basic tips to get children off to a good start.

“As parents, many of us focus on supplies needed for the school year,” said V. Glenn Fueston, Jr., Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. “It’s important that we also think about other things children need to be safe both inside and outside of the school walls. Most of these tips are things we already know, but bear remembering as the school year begins.”

Young children – (90 percent of abuse is perpetrated by someone a child knows and trusts)

Make sure children know:

Their full name, address including city and state, and phone number including area code
How and under what circumstances they should call 911
To never accept a ride or gifts from someone unknown to them
To always take the same way home from school
To avoid walking next to curbs
To walk confidently and to be alert to their surroundings
To avoid strangers who may hang around playgrounds, public restrooms, empty buildings, etc.
To be aware of safe places they can go in your neighborhood in an emergency, like a neighbor’s house
If they become separated from you, teach children to go to a store clerk, security guard, or police officer for help
To be accompanied to public bathrooms
That no one, not even someone they know, has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Tell them they have the right to say “no” in this situation.
Be aware of putting your child’s name on anything that is readily visible. This might allow an abductor to get on a “first name” basis with your child and develop a false sense of trust
Be accessible and non-judgmental; be open to whatever a child wants to discuss, and don’t shut down a conversation because a child is talking about something that makes you uncomfortable
Maintain ongoing communication and dialogue about safety issues. Talk to your child about their body and that no one should ever touch or do anything to them that they don’t like or don’t want
Don’t keep secrets. Tell your children that there are no secrets kept in your family, and what they can do if someone asks them to keep a secret.
Respect your child’s decisions if he or she doesn’t want to hug someone, respect that and honor their understanding of their own boundaries and space.
Monitor internet and phone use

Getting to School: Walkers

Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic
Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
Never dart out in front of a parked car
Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
Do not walk while using headphones or cell phone
Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets at crosswalks when available.

Getting to School: Bike Riders

Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly
Children need to know the rules of the road: Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across
Watch for opening car doors and other hazards
Use hand signals when turning
Wear bright-colored clothing

Getting to School: Bus Riders

Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus
Line up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches
If seat belts are available, buckle up
Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing
Do not cross in front of the bus if possible, or walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the other drivers
Drivers, share the road
Don’t block crosswalks
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus.

Getting to School: Teen Drivers

Teens crash most often because they are inexperienced. They struggle judging gaps in traffic, driving the right speed for conditions and turning safely, among other things. As your teen becomes a new driver, learn more about what you can do as a parent to keep them safe. The Motor Vehicle Administration has a web page devoted to rookie drivers.

Tips for School

Encourage children to walk and play with friends, not alone. Tell them to avoid places that could be dangerous such as vacant buildings, alleys, new construction, wooded areas, etc.
Make sure children take the safest routes to and from school, stores, and friend’s houses
Teach children to walk confidently and to be alert to their surroundings
Teach children to always take the same way home from school.
Children should not wear expensive jewelry or clothing to school.
A child should check in with a parent or trusted neighbor as soon as he/she arrives home from school. Someone should know if he/she is staying late at school.
Parents should listen carefully to children’s fears and feelings about people or places that scare them or make them uneasy. Tell them to trust their instincts. Take complaints about bullies seriously
Children should be taught to settle arguments with words, not fists or weapons
Children should be taught never to take guns, knives, or other weapons to school. They should tell a school official immediately if they see another student with a weapon.
Always have updated policies and practices in place and communicate them often to staff, volunteers and administration.
Note: Staff should know and understand their duties as mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. For more information on mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect, please visit: http://dhr.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/mandated-reporters/For additional training on mandated reporting, please visit http://www.reportabusemd.com.
Ensure a child is never alone with one adult. Establish the “Rule of 2’s” (minimum 2 kids & 2 adults) when moving kids or taking them to the restroom
Evaluate the physical environment of each room; open up hidden areas & secure private spaces. Make it impossible for an adult to be alone or out of sight with a child
Establish consistent screening policies for volunteers, staff and individuals working in the school or participating in special event activities

For more information about school safety issues, visit http://safeschoolsmd.org/ .

About the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention

The Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention serves as a coordinating office that advises the governor on criminal justice strategies. The office plans, promotes, and funds efforts with government entities, private organizations, and the community to advance public policy, enhance public safety, reduce crime and juvenile delinquency, and serve victims. Learn more by visiting our website at goccp.maryland.gov and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.