Keeping kids safe in — and out of — school

It used to be that when we sent our children, our precious little cargo, off to their first day of school, all we had to say was, “Look both ways when you cross the street” or “Don’t talk to strangers” or “Come right home after school.” But times have changed, and before you breathe a sigh of relief that those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are behind us, remember that there are a few more things to keep an eye out for during the school year.

Bullying is big. Statistics show that 77 percent of students are bullied — mentally, verbally or physically — and now the phenomenon has spread from the classroom to the Internet. Cyberbullying is a fairly new method by which bullies send negative comments, threats or offensive photos or messages online, where information can spread quickly. It’s especially traumatic for a child to walk into school to snickering, snide comments or worse.

Many, though not all, incidents of cyberbullying can be traced back to the bully, so ask your child if he or she knows who’s doing it, and print out whatever offensive comments you can find. If you suspect that your child is being bullied at school, talk to him or her about it and inform teachers and school officials. School staff should investigate the incident immediately and tell you what they plan to do about it.

Four years ago, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services called for enhanced security training for school bus drivers, including personal safety, parental custody issues, crimes such as vandalism, theft or assault, hijackings, and possession of dangerous materials or weapons. The organization encouraged school districts to ensure that all drivers complete such a program.

When you’re at the wheel of a car on a school day, follow the laws governing when to pass a school bus: When a stopped bus flashes its red lights, traffic approaching from either direction must stop at least 20 feet from the bus. Most school bus-related deaths and injuries occur when children are crossing the street after leaving the bus, not in collisions involving buses.

Of course, there are lots of things to worry about when it comes to our kids, but for the most part they are in good hands during the day. Inform the teachers and staff at your school of any allergies or other health issues your child has, and ask them to contact you immediately if any problems arise. School can be — and should be — a safe and nurturing environment for our children.