Back to school safety tips

Chief Executive Officer for Ria Sebetsa Security Services Danny Maduray has encouraged parents to teach their children about safety precautions.

He also stressed that parents become mindful of the traffic, pushing by other pupils and bullies that can turn the first day of school for the grade R and grade one, a horrible experience. “As far as possible, parents should accompany first time pupils into school premises and classrooms and put a badge with parents’ details with emergency contact numbers on children’s bags,” he added.

Maduray shared the back to school safety tips below:

•  If your child walks to school, help them learn and practice the safety rules. It’s extremely important for them to walk on pavements or sidewalks, look left-right-left-right when crossing the road, and always walk facing oncoming traffic.
•  Parents must choose a safe route for their child and practise this route with them until they become familiar. Do not allow them to take shortcuts or pass by dense bushes etc.
• Teach them to walk in groups if possible. Educate your children not to talk to any strangers and do not take sweets from strangers. Teach your child about kidnapping.
•  When choosing a means of transport for your child, make sure that the transport is roadworthy and that the transporter is affiliated or recognized with the school and Taxi Association.
• If children are transported by parents, be a good role model for your children and put on your seat belt always.
• Most schools provide scholar patrol services, children must always obey and listen to the scholar patroler. They are there to help.
• Parents, help your children to know their home address and parents contact telephone numbers in case of an emergency.
• If they have to be alone at home, make sure that they lock the doors properly and do not open for strangers and check in with you periodically.