Back-to-school safety: what every parent needs to know

As students across South Africa return to the classroom for a new academic year, parents and caregivers are urged to prioritise safety. While the excitement of returning to school can bring joy and opportunity, it also introduces new routines and responsibilities, particularly for young learners.

“We wish all learners the best for the new year, especially those who are going to school for the first time,” said Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at the Fidelity Services Group. Back-to-school is an exciting time, but it also brings new routines and responsibilities."

Hattingh emphasised the importance of instilling simple yet effective safety habits in children. “Teaching kids age-appropriate safety measures can make a big difference in keeping them protected both in and out of school. It’s imperative that you make sure your children know how to avoid potential dangers, and what steps to take in case something unfortunate happens,” she advises.

Establishing a list of important contact numbers is also vital. “This list must include emergency services and parents’ work and mobile numbers. Save it on your child’s phone and display it near the landline. It's also essential to explain when these numbers should be used,” Hattingh adds.

Finally, Hattingh emphasises that everyone in the household, including children, should know how to use the home security system and when to use panic buttons. This knowledge can help to alleviate parental worries while empowering children to feel secure in their environment.

Practical safety tips for children and parents

To help ensure the safety of children, Hattingh offers a set of essential tips that should be discussed and practised daily:

• Children should remember that their parents would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them. They must never get into a stranger’s car, regardless of any claims about family members being hurt. Establishing a password system can be effective for identifying trusted individuals picking them up.
• It is advised that children walk to and from school with friends with a friend or friends. If walking alone, parents should encourage them to ask teachers or other parents about other children from the area who are making the same journey.
• Children should stick to familiar streets and avoid shortcuts through unrecognised or quiet areas.
• When waiting for pickups, children should remain inside school grounds until their lift arrives, rather than leaving the premises to search for them.
• If approached by a stranger, children should refrain from engaging in conversation, regardless of how friendly the individual may seem. In cases where someone tries to grab them, they should be encouraged to fight back, kick, and scream, asserting that the person is not their parent.

For parents who work full-time and may leave their children at home during the day, it is crucial to teach youngsters about home safety. “It is extremely important that the kids know not to let anyone into the house without your permission,” Hattingh stresses. If parents anticipate being late, they should inform their children promptly, providing an estimated time for their return.