Back-to-School Safety: Preventing Injuries and Trauma as Students Return to the Classroom
- Sadie Carns
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
As summer winds down and backpacks are filled with fresh supplies, it’s important to prepare for more than just academics. The back-to-school season also brings a spike in preventable injuries, making this a crucial time for families, schools, and communities to focus on safety and trauma prevention.
From transportation to playgrounds, students encounter many risks during the school day. With a few proactive steps, we can help ensure children return to school with confidence—and stay safe all year long.
1. Safe Transportation: Getting to School Without Incident
Whether students walk, bike, ride the bus, or get dropped off by car, the commute is one of the most injury-prone parts of the school day.
Pedestrian Safety: Teach children to use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, and obey crossing guards. Encourage bright-colored clothing or reflective gear.
Bicycle Safety: Children should always wear a helmet and follow traffic rules. Ensure their bike fits well and is properly maintained.
Bus Safety: Review how to safely wait for, board, and exit the bus. Children should never cross in front of the bus without making eye contact with the bus driver.
Car Safety: Use age-appropriate car seats or seat belts. Follow school drop-off/pick-up rules to avoid injuries in school zones.
2. Preventing Falls and Playground Injuries
Playgrounds and hallways can be hotspots for slips, trips, and falls.
Encourage children to use playground equipment properly and report broken or unsafe equipment.
Schools should maintain safe surfaces like mulch or rubber under playgrounds to cushion falls.
Encourage good footwear choices: shoes should fit well, have good grip, and stay secure during activity.
Ensure stairways are well lit and clutter-free and promote walking instead of running in hallways.
3. Sports and Physical Activity Safety
Extracurricular activities are essential for physical and mental health—but they also carry risks.
Make sure students have proper protective gear for all sports.
Coaches and staff should be trained in injury prevention, first aid, and concussion recognition.
Ensure children stay hydrated and are allowed proper warm-ups and cool-downs.
Teach students to speak up when they feel pain or discomfort.
4. Preventing Bullying and Emotional Trauma
Not all trauma is physical. Emotional safety is just as important to a child’s well-being.
Encourage open communication at home about school experiences.
Know the signs of bullying, anxiety, and depression: changes in behavior, sleep, or appetite may indicate emotional distress.
Schools should implement anti-bullying programs and provide access to counselors and trusted adults.
Foster a safe and inclusive environment that promotes kindness and respect.
5. Emergency Preparedness at School
Children and staff should know what to do in case of fire, lockdown, severe weather, or medical emergencies.
Practice school safety drills regularly and in an age-appropriate way.
Parents should be aware of school emergency protocols and ensure contact information is up to date.
Encourage children to speak up if they see something unsafe.
6. Backpack Safety
A heavy or improperly worn backpack can cause back and shoulder injuries.
Choose a backpack with padded straps and a waist belt.
Encourage kids to wear both straps and adjust for a snug fit.
Pack heavier items closer to the back and avoid overloading: no more than 10–15% of the child’s body weight.
Back-to-school season is a time of excitement and opportunity, but also a key moment to prioritize injury prevention. With a few simple steps, families, schools, and communities can work together to keep students safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
Let’s make this school year not only successful, but safe for every student.
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