Essential Back to School Safety Tips for Parents, Families and Child Caregivers

This Back-to-School Safety Guide 2. Covers:

✅ Bus safety and smart travel planning

✅ Biking and walking to school safely

✅ Backpack weight and fit tips

✅ Fun, healthy, and safe snack and lunch ideas

✅ Bullying prevention and how to talk about it

✅ Staying safe in an online world

As summer winds down and the schoolyear approaches, it’s time to shift gears and help your host children prepare for a safe and successful return to school. Whether you're a new au pair or a seasoned childcare pro, staying on top of back-to-school safety tips is essential for supporting your host family and ensuring everyone starts the year off right.

Below are key school safety topics every au pair and host family should discuss together as school starts.

1.Bus Safety

Ensuring safe transportation starts with knowing the bus schedule and route. Clear communication with your host parents helps everyone stay on the same page by knowing where to be, when to be there, and what to do if plans change unexpectedly. Confirm the bus stop location and arrival times with your host parents, and always plan to be at the stop at least 10 minutes early.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, encourages parents to teach children how to play it SAFE:

Stay at least ten feet (about five giant steps) from the curb
Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to board
Face forward after sitting down on the bus
Exit only after the bus has stopped completely and always look left, right, then left again before crossing the street

Teach host children the importance of these habits, especially staying seated on the bus and only crossing the street when signaled by the driver. These simple actions help keep everyone safe.

2.Traveling to School

Walking or biking to school can be a fun, healthy, and independent way for kids to start their day, but safety should always come first. If your host child travels this way, make sure they’re prepared and confident every step or pedal of the way.

Review the route together. Even consider practicing the route together ahead of time.
Practice crossing streets safely by looking both ways, using crosswalks and following traffic signals.
Make sure they wear a properly fitted helmet when cycling.

🔗‍ Children's Health offers more tips on walking and biking safely to school.

3. Backpack Safety

The National Safety Council recommends that a child’s backpack weigh no more than 10 percent of their body weight to help prevent back, shoulder, and neck strain. Overloaded or improperly worn backpacks can lead to long-term discomfort or injury. Help your host kids carry their load safely by following these tips:

Choose backpacks with padded, dual shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly
Pack heavier items closest to the child's back and use multiple compartments for balance
Only pack what is necessary for the day and leave unneeded items at home
Work with host families to show children how to organize and carry their backpacks safely

When selecting a backpack look for styles that combine comfort, durability, and age appropriate design. Some of the top-rated options for the school year include:

L.L. Bean Deluxe Book Pack- Known for its roomy interior, water resistant fabric, and reinforced bottom for long-term use.

Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Backpack- A great choice for younger children, offering adjustable straps, fun patterns, and a built-in name tag.

Mackenzie Collection | Pottery Barn Kids

JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack- A classic option praised for its lightweight build and wide range of colors.

Nike Elemental Backpack- Popular for older kids and teens, combining sporty style with padded comfort and spacious compartments.

For the full list and more details, visit the Best Back-to-School Backpacks guide by the New York Post.

Watch this helpful video on How to Make Sure Your Child is Wearing Their Backpack Correctly.

For more guidance visit: Backpack Safety- Healthychildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)

4. Lunches & Snacks

Lunchtime should be fun, tasty, and safe! What you pack, and how you pack it, plays a big role in keeping your host kids energized and healthy throughout the school day. With a little planning and smart prep, you can make every lunch both delicious and safe to enjoy.

Use insulated lunch boxes and ice packs to keep food fresh
Teach children not to share food, especially if allergies are a concern
Review any dietary restrictions or allergies with your host family

🔗See Food Safety.gov's guide to packing safer lunches.

🔗The Best Lunch Boxes

5. Bullying Awareness

School isn’t just about academics; social and emotional safety are just as important. Caregivers and trusted adults play an important role in preventing bullying by having open, supportive conversations and encouraging kids to speak up.

Encourage open communication with your host children about their day.
Watch for signs of bullying, such as withdrawn behavior or changes in mood.
Coordinate with host parents on how to support a child experiencing bullying.

🔗 For more guidance on bullying, visit StopBullying.gov.

6. Online Safety

Between schoolwork and social interactions online, digital safety is crucial, especially for children and teens who are still learning how to navigate the internet responsibly. From protecting personal information to avoiding scams, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content, it’s important for caregivers to actively guide and monitor their child’s online activity.