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School bells have called students back to the classroom, and the American Red Cross wants to make sure every student is safe back at school for the this academic year.

“While safety is a top priority for all students, there are special steps for parents of younger kids and those headed to school for the first time,” said Alex Dieffenbach, CEO of the Northwest Region of the Red Cross. “Make sure each child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1. Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.”

School Bus Safety

• If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.

• Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

• Teach your student to board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed them to get on.

• Kids should board their bus only, never an alternate one.

• Make sure your student always stays in clear view of the bus driver and never walks behind the bus.

Getting to school by car, bike, on foot

• If children go to school in a car, they should always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”), and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.

• If a teenager is going to drive to school, parents should mandate that they use seat belts. Drivers should not text or make calls use their cell phone and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.

• Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.

• When children are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection, and use a route along which the school has placed crossing guards. Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.