Here’s how learners can remain safe after going back school:

With most schools around the country reopening in mid-January for the academic year, there is excitement among learners who look forward to new friends and new experiences.

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Children need to be reminded about safety protocols when arriving and leaving school.

School transfers, au pairs and lift shares are very common with many parents working.

It is not always easy for the school to keep track of how children are arriving or leaving. Parents need to reinforce basic safety protocols.

This is relevant following the spate of kidnappings during the last year.

Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity ADT’s head for group marketing and communications, shared advice to increase peace of mind.

• Tell your child to wait inside the grounds for their lift to arrive when picked up at school.

• Remind your children that you would not send someone they don’t know to fetch them and that they should never get into a stranger’s car even if that person claims that someone they love is hurt and was sent to pick them up.

It is a good idea to consider using a password system. Your child will then know that the correct person is collecting them and who they can trust.

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• Parents should always notify the school if there is a change in transport arrangements to manage the situation and alert the child.

• Tell your children not to talk to strangers in the parking lot, no matter how friendly they may seem. Teach them if someone tries to grab them, to fight, kick and scream to alert others of the danger.

• Children who live close enough to school to walk home should ideally always walk with a friend or friends.

If your child walks alone, ask a teacher or other parents if they know of other children from the area who do the same.

Some areas have started “walking buses”, where local parents volunteer to walk to and from school with a group of schoolchildren to assure their safety.

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Stick to streets you know and never take shortcuts through unfamiliar or quiet areas.

In some cases, when parents are working all day and domestic helpers may not be around a full day, children have to keep themselves occupied until mom and dad return home in the evening.

“It is important that the children know not to let anyone into the house without your permission.

“If you are going to be late, let your children know as soon as possible and give them an idea of when they can expect you to be home,” said Hattingh.

She added that drawing up a list of important telephone numbers is a great idea.

“This list must include emergency services and the parents’ work and cell phone numbers.

“Save it on your child’s cell phone and stick it on or near the landline. It’s also important to explain to them when these should be used.”

Hattingh said everyone in the household, children included, should also know how to use your home security system and when and how to use the panic buttons.