The first day of school brings a mix of excitement, nervousness and anticipation. New classrooms, new teachers, new friends and new routines are just around the corner. As families prepare backpacks and lunch boxes, it’s also an important time to talk about back-to-school safety.
At BGC Riverview, we believe keeping children safe is a community effort. Whether kids are walking to school, riding the bus, biking, playing with friends or spending time at the Club, a few simple reminders can help make the transition back to school a safe and positive one.
Walking Safely to School
For children who walk to school, review the route together before the first day.
Remind kids to:
- Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible.
- Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Avoid distractions such as phones or headphones when crossing roads.
- Walk with a buddy whenever possible.
- Follow crossing guards and traffic signals.
Even familiar routes can become busy during the morning and afternoon rush, so encourage children to stay alert.
School Bus Safety
For many children, the school bus is part of their daily routine.
Important reminders include:
- Stay a safe distance from the road while waiting for the bus.
- Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before approaching it.
- Use handrails when getting on and off.
- Remain seated while the bus is moving.
- Keep backpacks and other belongings out of the aisle.
- Use a calm voice so the driver can concentrate.
- Never walk behind the bus. If you need to cross, make sure you can see the driver and follow the proper crossing procedure.
Parents and caregivers can also remind children that the bus driver is there to help keep everyone safe.
Bike and Active Transportation Safety
If your child bikes, scooters or skateboards to school, make sure they have the appropriate safety equipment and know the rules of the road.
A properly fitted helmet is a must.
Check that the helmet sits level on the head and fits securely. Children should also understand where they can safely ride and why they need to watch for vehicles, pedestrians and other cyclists.
Being active on the way to school is a great way to start the day — but safety should always come first.
Backpack Safety
A backpack that’s too heavy can be uncomfortable and may contribute to back, neck and shoulder strain.
Encourage children to:
- Carry only what they need.
- Use both shoulder straps.
- Adjust straps so the backpack sits comfortably against their back.
- Keep heavier items closer to their back.
A good rule is to check the backpack regularly and remove anything that doesn’t need to come home every day.
Talk About Safe Technology Use
Back to school also means getting back into the routine of using phones, tablets and computers.
Take some time to talk with children about:
- Keeping passwords private.
- Never sharing personal information online.
- Being respectful in group chats and on social media.
- Telling a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable.
- Taking breaks from screens.
Technology is an important part of children’s lives, and creating an open environment where kids feel comfortable talking about their online experiences is just as important as teaching them about physical safety.
Safety Doesn’t Stop When the School Bell Rings
For many families, the after-school hours are just as important as the school day.
This is where organizations like BGC Riverview play an important role in the community.
At BGC Riverview, children and youth have opportunities to learn, play, build friendships and participate in programs in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to create spaces where young people can be themselves, develop confidence and know that they have caring adults they can turn to.
Back-to-school season is a great reminder that every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow and belong.
Start the Year With a Safety Conversation
You don’t need to have one big conversation about safety. Small reminders throughout the year can make a big difference.
Take a few minutes before school starts to ask your child:
“Do you know what to do if you ever feel unsafe?”
Make sure they know who they can go to for help — whether that’s a parent, teacher, bus driver, school staff member, BGC Riverview staff member or another trusted adult.
Most importantly, let them know that asking for help is always okay.
Back to School, Back to Community
A successful school year is about more than homework and grades. It’s about helping children feel safe, supported, confident and connected.
At BGC Riverview, we’re proud to be part of a community that looks out for its children and youth. As a new school year begins, let’s work together to make sure every child has the support they need to have a safe, happy and successful year.
From all of us at BGC Riverview — welcome back to school! Here’s to a great year ahead.
