Back-to-school safety

Back-to-school season means more children walking, cycling, scootering, taking the bus and being dropped off near schools. It also means busier roads, changing routines and more activity in school zones. A few extra minutes, a little patience and everyone’s full attention can help students get to and from school safely.

Whether you are driving, walking, riding or helping a child prepare for the school year, please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected.

If you are driving

Slow down in school zones and residential areas.
Watch for children crossing the road, including from between parked vehicles.
Stop fully at stop signs and be prepared to stop at crosswalks and pedestrian crossings.
Do not block crosswalks, intersections, bike lanes, fire routes or bus loading areas.
Put your phone away and avoid distractions while driving.
Follow the directions of crossing guards, school staff and school safety patrollers.
Be patient during drop-off and pick-up. A few extra minutes can help prevent a collision.

If your child is walking

Plan and practise the route together before the first day of school.
Use sidewalks where available and cross at marked crosswalks, intersections or with a crossing guard.
Look all ways before crossing and keep looking as you cross.
Make sure drivers have stopped before stepping onto the road.
Put phones away and remove or lower headphones before crossing.
Younger children should walk with an adult or older student when possible.

If your child is biking or scootering

You can find rules, safety tips and more on our bike and scooter safety page.

If your child takes the bus

Arrive at the bus stop early so children are not rushing.
Wait in a safe place away from the road until the bus comes to a complete stop.
Stay visible to the driver and follow the driver’s instructions.
Cross in front of the bus only when it is safe and the driver can see you.
Teach children about the danger zone around the bus, where the driver may not be able to see them.
Drivers must stop for school buses when required and should never pass a stopped bus with lights flashing.
Find more school bus safety tips at https://www.ontario.ca/page/school-bus-safety

For parents and caregivers

Give yourself extra time so no one feels rushed.
Review the safest route, drop-off location or bus stop before school starts.
Model the safe choices you want children to learn, including crossing safely and putting phones away near roads.
Talk about what to do if your child feels unsafe, gets lost or needs help.
Think carefully before posting back-to-school photos that show your child’s school, classroom, teacher, bus route or daily routine.
Remember: your child is not the only child on the road. Every school zone is shared by many families.

Online and personal safety

Back-to-school safety is not only about the trip to and from school. This is also a good time to talk with children and youth about online privacy, safe social media habits, trusted adults and how to ask for help.

Review privacy settings on devices, apps and games.
Talk about not sharing personal information, school details, passwords or location information online.
Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if someone makes them uncomfortable online or in person.
Remind older students to be thoughtful about what they post, share and forward.