Ready, Set, School! Back-to-School Safety Tips for Families

posted by Darcie Follon on Monday, August 18, 2025

As summer winds down and backpacks start coming out of the closet, it’s time to get ready for the new school year. We want to help families start the year off safely and confidently. Here are some essential back-to-school safety tips to keep in mind: 

Schedule Wellness Checks & Sports Physicals 

The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to schedule regular wellness visits with your child’s healthcare provider. These visits are important for tracking growth and development and catching any concerns early. If your child is participating in sports, make sure they have a current sports physical—these are often required and help ensure kids are healthy enough for physical activity. 

Stay Up to Date on Immunizations 

Immunizations protect children and their classmates from serious illnesses. Schools typically require certain vaccines, so it’s a good idea to check in with your provider before the first day of school to make sure your child is up to date. 

Choose Safe Backpacks & Clothing 

Backpacks should have wide, padded straps and be worn on both shoulders to avoid neck and back strain. Keep the load light—no more than 10–15% of your child’s body weight. 

For clothing, remove drawstrings from jackets or sweatshirts, since they can get caught on playground equipment or doors. Small changes like these can help prevent injuries. 

Support Emotional Safety 

Emotional well-being is just as important as physical safety. Talk with your kids about respecting others, being kind, and speaking up if they see or experience bullying. Staying connected and checking in daily helps parents spot issues early and provides support. 

Practice Bus Safety 

If your child rides the bus, review your school district’s guidelines together. Teach kids to stay six feet back from the curb while waiting, only approach when the bus is fully stopped, and make eye contact with the driver before crossing the street. Remind them to always look left, right, and left again before crossing. 

Walking, Biking & Moped Safety 

• Walking: Always use sidewalks and crosswalks, look three times before crossing, and avoid distractions like phones. 
• Biking: Make sure kids wear a properly fitted helmet. They should ride on the right side with traffic, use hand signals, and stick to bike paths when possible. 
• Mopeds: Riders should wear a helmet, closed-toe shoes, and reflective gear. Encourage riding in a staggered formation with friends—never side by side—and crossing intersections one at a time. 

Reminders for Drivers 

Back-to-school season means more children walking, biking, and riding buses. Please slow down in school zones, obey posted speed limits, and be extra alert. 

Never pass a school bus when its stop arm is out – it’s not only dangerous, but also illegal. Use designated drop-off and pick-up zones and avoid distractions like texting while driving. Kids can be unpredictable, so staying alert is key. 

A Final Word 

Back-to-school is such an exciting time, and with a few simple safety steps, we can help keep kids safe and healthy. By keeping up with wellness visits and immunizations, choosing safe gear, supporting emotional well-being, and staying alert on the roads, we can make this school year a great one for families across our community.