In a new school year, excitement builds for parents and students. New schedules, activities, and experiences emerge. However, school safety is also paramount. Staying mindful of key considerations helps ensure student safety and can prevent legal issues. Here are essential school safety reminders for back-to-school season and all through the school year.
School Bus Safety
School bus safety is imperative as children go about their daily commutes. Motorists must remember their legal obligation to stop when school buses load or unload students. In Illinois and many states, drivers must stop if a school bus has its stop sign extended or red lights flashing. Noncompliance can lead to hefty fines and serious injuries. It’s crucial to understand that a moment of noncompliance can have serious consequences. Parents should teach children bus safety:
- Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street.
- Stay seated while the bus is moving.
- Avoid distractions when boarding or exiting.
Simple vigilance and awareness are always good practices.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
School safety extends to students who walk or ride bikes (and e-bikes) to school. Make sure they understand local traffic laws, particularly regarding crosswalks and right-of-way. Pedestrian accidents often increase during back-to-school periods, making it vital that students use crosswalks and follow traffic signals. For those biking, helmets can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries in accidents, even if not legally required.
Bullying and Harassment
Bullying, which remains a serious concern, also falls under school safety. Schools are legally obligated to address bullying and harassment, especially when it involves race, gender, or disability under federal law, such as Title IX. Parents should familiarize themselves with school anti-bullying policies and teach children how to report issues. Schools can be held liable if they ignore bullying complaints. Document all communications with school officials regarding school safety concerns. Do not hesitate to say something.
Sports and Physical Activities
Injury prevention is critical in school sports and physical activities. Schools must provide proper safety equipment and instructions. Parents should ensure schools follow safety protocols and that children have the right equipment, communicate their needs, and stay hydrated. Many schools require parents to sign liability waivers for sports. Read and understand these documents carefully.
School Zone Speed Limits
School zones are high-risk areas. Drivers must observe speed limits and exercise caution. Stricter penalties often apply to speeding in school zones, so motorists must slow down and stay alert for children crossing the road.
Cyberbullying and Social Media
There’s also another angle to school safety. With the rise of social media, parents must be vigilant about cyberbullying. Schools often have anti-cyberbullying policies, but parents should monitor their children’s online activity. Cyberbullying that leads to significant emotional or physical harm can result in legal action, so addressing these concerns early is crucial.
By keeping these school safety considerations in mind, parents can help protect their children from potential harm and ensure schools provide a safe environment. As a parent, you are your child’s advocate and have legal rights regarding their education. If your child experiences harm, contact an attorney. Dolan Law is a top-rated firm representing victims of wrongdoing.
Written by Marty Dolan and George King
Marty Dolan is the owner of Dolan Law, Chicago. A trial lawyer for over 30 years, he handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. DolanLegal.com.
George King is a third-year law student at Belmont University College of Law in Nashville, Tennessee, and works as a law clerk for Dolan Law, Chicago.