Back to school season is upon us and that means the kids are out of the house and back in class to learn and have fun with friends. School is a great thing – especially for parents – but like everything else it can come with downsides. It’s crucial to teach your child how to keep themselves out of harm’s way so here are some tips that can help you do just that.
Getting To School
It’s important to teach your child the safest way to conduct themselves when going to and from school. If they’re old enough to walk unattended make sure they know to look both ways before crossing the road and not to stray into alleys or private property. If they’re travelling on the bus make sure they’re informed on proper bus behaviour like staying in their seat and not distracting the driver. An especially important tip for older kids with cellphones is to make sure they know to keep their heads up and not in in an app. Of pedestrians 19 and younger who were killed in 2013 nearly half were between 15 and 19 – a statistic blamed on cell phones.
What They’re Carrying
Make sure they have a backpack with an ergonomic design and a padded back and shoulder straps with belts to transfer some weight to the hips and upper body. Heavy backpacks can create back and shoulder pain and affect posture negatively. Make sure they know to use both straps and make sure they carry only what is necessary to keep their load light.
When at Play
Playgrounds as a whole are a lot safer now than they were even twenty years ago. That said your child should make sure not to act in a reckless manner when on playground equipment as it may not be correctly maintained or supervised which could create additional risks like protruding bolts or hooks, overcrowding, or tripping hazards. If they keep to the equipment that is age-appropriate and take proper care they can minimize their chance of injury.
Safety is all about preparation, but all the preparation in the world sometimes isn’t enough to protect your child from injury. If your child has been injured at school due to improper supervision or maintenance you should seek recompense for their injuries. Call Conte & Associates at 1-877-614-0008. Based in Vaughan and Whitby, Conte & Associates works with clients in Whitby/Oshawa, and in the following cities in Ontario: Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Newcastle, Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Port Perry, Belleville, and Peterborough.
