School’s back in session for most folks, and while we might be jumping for joy, there’s something else we should be doing: sharing important back-to-school safety tips with our kids. Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor and mom of four took to TikTok to offer some smart advice. From the right way to ride a bike to school to exactly where those backpacks should live once a kid arrives home, here are seven back-to-school safety tips for kids and parents. Have a great year!
@beachgem10 It’s back to school time! Make sure walkers and bike riders understand which side of the road is safest. Helmets are mandatory. And PLEASE put your phone down while driving and use caution in school zones #parents #kids #emergency #school #doctor
♬ original sound – Beachgem10
1. Helmets are a must.
This might be one of the most important back-to-school safety tips of all. Having your bike-riding kiddo wear a helmet is often the difference between a bad scrape and a life-altering injury, and in some states, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to ride without one. According to SAFE Kids Worldwide, properly fitted helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 45%, and yet, less than half of kids ages 14 and under wear them.
If your child tries to fuss or refuses to wear a helmet, they don’t ride—end of story. Martin also offers extra pointers on helmet safety: “Make sure there are reflectors on the helmet and your kids’ backpacks. They need to ride with traffic on the side of the road in a single file line.”
2. There’s a right (and safe) way to walk down the street.
Unlike riding a bike, kids should walk against traffic to keep an eye on wayward cars. They should always use the sidewalk if available, and again, have reflectors attached to their backpacks. In addition, Martin says kids need to look both ways before crossing the street, even if the crosswalks light up.
3. Make sure your kids have proper identification on them.
Martin stresses the importance of having important contact information in your kids’ backpacks, especially if walking or riding to school. “Put a laminated card with their name, your phone number, and their address, so if they get sick or injured and can’t communicate, we can give you a call,” she says.
Related: Former FBI Agent Shares Back-to-School Safety Dos & Don’ts
4. Tricky strangers are a real thing.
There’s no good reason for an adult to ask an unknown child for help, Martin reminds us. And head’s up monogram lovers, she says that putting your kids’ names on the outside of their backpacks is problematic. “We don’t want to give tricky strangers any more information about your kids than they could already find out.”
It’s also always a good idea to be cautious when sharing photos of your kiddos on social media to prevent tricky people from knowing details about their lives—for example, where they go to school, or your house number. You can always use apps like Tinybeans to keep friends and family updated on your little ones’ biggest milestones in a safe and private way.
5. Backpacks + schools = germs.
When your kid comes home from school, their first move is often to toss their backpacks down with a sigh of relief. Fine—unless they throw it on the kitchen table, counter, or island. A study by Lysol Pro Solutions in early 2024 revealed that backpacks can pick up thousands of germs daily and that desks have just as many germs as bathroom floors. So yeah, those backpacks stay on the ground or in the entryway cubby and should be washed often.
6. Middle school kids should be aware of substances being passed around.
This is one of those uncomfortable conversations that need to happen sooner rather than later. Martin mentions that she’s been seeing a lot of THC gummies making their way around middle schools and that kids should pay attention to what their friends are offering.
7. Drive safely without distractions.
This one is for the adults! When driving to pick up your child or if you happen to be driving through a school zone while kids are out and about, please drive slowly and put down your phone. “We’re going to have a lot more kids around the road, and we want to make sure everyone stays safe,” Martin says.
We all want our kids to have a safe and successful school year, and these tips will help to make it happen.
