Back-to-School Safety Tips for Parents 

The first day of school signals another new year to form friendships, meet new teachers, and, most importantly, increase knowledge. Schools provide a safe environment for learning, but parents also need to instill in their children the importance of maintaining personal boundaries, following the rules, and respecting others. 

Communicate with children before the first day of school and talk about important safety tips and common sense guidelines. Use these back to school safety tips to open a dialogue. 

Be Kind: School Bullying Statistics

Most public schools include an anti-bullying policy in their student handbook. Bullying encompasses physical intimidation, hurtful words, spreading untrue rumors, and purposeful exclusion. With the rise of social media and other online platforms, bullying evolved from face-to-face intimidation and knowing the perpetrator to virtual terror where the bully hides behind online anonymity. 

Bullying can lead to depression, negatively impact school performance, and place victims in a state of perpetual fear and doubt. As the bullying continues, victims begin to feel that there is no relief from the torment. However, while many link bullying to suicide, experts explain that the link is not a black-and-white direct correlation. StopBullying.gov addresses the media’s perpetuation of the suicide/bullying narrative: “It is not accurate and potentially dangerous to present bullying as the ‘cause’ or ‘reason’ for a suicide, or to suggest that suicide is a natural response to bullying.”

 

However, the harm of bullying can resonate through adulthood. Many children who were bullied forever remember the helpless feelings and the residual mental trauma from the incidents and harassment.

 

Parents are responsible for instilling kindness, compassion, and empathy in their children. 

According to statistics from StopBullying.gov, one in five children (ages 12 to 18) were a victim of bullying. More than 40 percent of bullying occurred in hallways or stairwells, likely away from the visibility of teachers and administrators.

Middle School Bullying

Middle school is a complex time for students moving from childhood to adolescence. Unfortunately, middle school represents the worst of bullying; this three-year period is when most incidents of bullying occur–28 percent of middle schoolers report being a victim.

Parents should understand that as the prevalence for bullying increases, they must heighten their diligence to talk to their children about possible bullying. Open a dialogue about bullying, what to do when a child witnesses bullying, and the types of bullying. Help children understand that parents are a safe resource; encourage them to talk openly about their feelings. When children trust that they can talk to their parents, they are more likely to open up about being bullied or witnessing this happen to friends or peers. 

If a child reports that they are a victim, don’t ever place blame or encourage them to confront their bully. Report the issue, and document it in an email to school administrators and a counselor. Documenting the incident in writing ensures a record of the abuse. 

Schools take bullying seriously. However, parents must understand that they can never find out how a “bully” was reprimanded. Disciplinary actions will never be shared with anyone but a child’s parents. These records are confidential and only known to school administrators. Parents must make peace with this. 

Internet Safety Tips

Cyberbullying happens every day. Read through comments on online sites; bullying or name-calling is often ever-present. Grown adults don’t always model good or positive behavior. Parents should be the change and show children through their actions that no form of bullying is OK. The internet is not as anonymous as people may assume.

 

Dangers lurk behind screens. Predators lurk behind screens. The important takeaway for the internet is simple: Nothing is what it seems. The 16-year-old girl could be a 65 year-old-man on another continent waiting to lure a victim. Teach children and teens these tips:

• Never send provocative pictures to anyone online. 
• Do not share personal information with anyone online.
• Do not accept a friend request from strangers.
• Report any abuse or inappropriate messages. 
• Never agree to meet someone who is only an online friend. 

 

Sextortion is, unfortunately, now becoming a common reality for teens. It is critical for parents to talk to teens (and tweens) about the potential ramifications of sending provocative images. 

However, regardless of any discussions, a teen may still become a victim. 

Shame keeps teen victims silent. If online images lead to a teen becoming a victim of blackmail, they may feel there is no way out. There is a way out…and that is through communication. 

Parents must ensure that teens feel safe telling parents they are being blackmailed. Work with law enforcement to report the crime; listen, don’t judge, and be the resource a victim needs to move forward.

The Reality of Stranger Danger

The lesson of “stranger danger” was always simple: “Don’t talk to strangers.” The simplicity of the message, however, leads to an ingrained paranoia. Children were petrified to talk to strangers. When a child is lost, or needs help, they may need to talk to a stranger. A fear of strangers could place a child in greater danger.

Teach children which strangers to avoid and which to approach when they need help. Good strangers include parents with children, grandparents with children, authority figures (like police), and store employees wearing name tags. 

 

Friendly, good strangers never encourage a child to leave a store or location, and they will never ask a child to get into a vehicle with them. Teach children to never leave with anyone they don’t know or get into a car without a parent’s permission. 

Stranger Danger for Teens

Stranger danger isn’t just a lesson for young children. Online stranger danger often places teens in dangerous situations. Teens should NEVER send provocative photos, release personal information, or arrange to meet an online friend. 

Be a Resource; Talk to Kids About Safety 

The first day of school begins another academic adventure, and it’s the ideal time for parents to facilitate a dialogue with children about bullying, online strangers, and other safety topics. Ensure children know they can open up about fears, concerns, and even mistakes. Talk about difficult topics and create a safe space for children and teens to share anything and everything in their lives.