Back-to-school means a
lot more than sharpened #2 pencils and flashy new school supplies. That is why
Attorney General Jeff Landry has created a handy list of "Back-to-School
Safety Tips" for parents and guardians eager to ensure the well-being of
their children as we begin a new school year.
“Louisiana’s children are our State’s greatest
resource,” said Attorney General Landry. “Ensuring their safety is something we
should all strive to achieve.”
Attorney General Landry offers the following safety
tips:
- Do
not overshare online. Avoid posting students' biometrics (age, weight,
height, etc.), their personal interests, and their teachers' names. Also
be sure photos do not show house numbers or street signs.
- Drive
safely. Obey speed
limits and other traffic laws like not changing lanes, passing, or making
U-turns in school zones. Do not text while driving. Stop at least 30 feet
behind a loading or unloading school bus and adhere to its flashing lights
and stop signs.
- Walk
safely. Teach
students the basics of pedestrian safety: look both ways before crossing a
street, listen to crossing guards, and never run blindly into the road.
- Know
the drill. Review
school emergency plan with your children. Students should learn not only
how to react in an emergency, but also how to communicate with first
responders in those situations.
- Stay
healthy. Students
should not only eat healthy snacks and practice basic hygiene, like hand
washing; but they also should report if something at school seems wrong
or if someone is making them uncomfortable.
- Stay
up to date.
Give a list of emergency contacts to the school and any afterschool
programs. Make sure students know exactly how they are getting home.
Confirm they have memorized the best phone number to call you in case of
an emergency.
- Know the teachers. Be familiar with those responsible for your child during school hours and make sure the school performs background checks on its educators. Maintain the contact information for the teachers in case of an emergency.