Back-to-School Safety Tips
The backpacks are fresh, the crayons are pointy, and the to-do list is a mile long: supplies to buy, lunches to pack, bedtimes to adjust, and more. It’s a season of good intentions and forgotten permission slips, and honestly, some chaos is inevitable.
While it’s OK to let a few things slide (we’ve all sent a kid to school in mismatched socks), safety shouldn’t be one of them. A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your kids safe, easing your own anxiety, and getting the whole family out the door with confidence.
Practice the Route
If your child is walking, biking, or riding the bus for the first time (or even just switching campuses), do a dry run together. Try it at the time they’ll be commuting, so you both get a feel for the morning rush.
For walkers and bikers, point out safe places to cross, remind them to avoid distractions such as phones and loud music in their headphones, and review what to do if they ever feel unsafe. (Better still, show them our guide to pedestrian safety.) Make sure helmets fit snugly and that backpacks don’t throw off their balance. If your child takes the bus, talk through what to do if they miss it and how to behave during the ride.
Even teens driving themselves benefit from practicing the route ahead of time, especially in unfamiliar areas with new traffic patterns or school zones.
Model Safe Driving Habits
If you’re back behind the wheel for the morning drop-off, remember the beginning of the year brings more foot traffic, less predictable driving patterns, and — for many — fatigue. Everyone’s adjusting, so give other drivers and children some grace. Model good habits, including using crosswalks, waiting patiently at drop-offs, and being courteous in car lines. Your kids notice, so make an example you’d like them to emulate behind the wheel someday.
Reboot Routines Early
Summer bedtimes are hard to shake, but easing back into a school-year sleep schedule a few days before the first bell can make a big difference for your child’s health, learning, and safety.
Adequate sleep is essential for focus, memory, and emotional regulation. Well-rested students are better able to absorb new material, stay on task, and cope with social and academic stresses. Beyond school performance, sleep also impacts physical safety. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 1 in 6 teen drivers has driven drowsy. Sleep-deprived drivers — especially young ones — are at a greater risk of accidents.
Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times gradually, shifting in 10-minute increments each day until you’re close to the school schedule. Keep screens off at least 30–60 minutes before bed.
Focus on Wellness
Back-to-school isn’t just about academics. It’s a great time to check in on mental, physical, and emotional wellness, too. Schedule annual checkups if you haven’t already, including vision and hearing tests that can impact learning.
Talk with your kids about how they’re feeling about the new year. Excited? Nervous? Both? Keep communication open and remind them that you’re a safe space no matter what. Heightened stress is normal this time of year, especially for kids facing transitions, such as a new grade or school.
Don’t Forget Yourself
Finally, parents, take a breath. This season can be overwhelming. You’re likely juggling a lot, and no one expects perfection. Safety and wellness are ongoing conversations, not one-time tasks. So, set a few small intentions, check in with your physical and mental health, and give yourself some grace. Leaning on organizational habits, such as bullet journaling, can make a world of a difference.
Learn how to choose the best car for your teen before the school year starts.
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