Stay safe while heading back to school

As students across Calgary prepare to return to the classroom, we are encouraging families to make safety part of their back-to-school routine by discussing personal safety, online safety and safe travel to and from school.

Whether children are starting kindergarten, moving to junior high or preparing for their last year of high school, the start of a new school year presents an opportunity for parents and caregivers to have important conversation about making safe choices both in person and online.

“Our School Resource Officers are excited to be back in schools and reconnect with students as they begin another school year,” says acting Sgt. Leah Berti with the Calgary Police Service School Resource Officer team. “The start of a new school year is a great opportunity to make positive choices, build new friendships and set goals for success. We encourage students of all ages to treat one another with kindness and respect, and to show that same respect to their teachers, school staff and administrators who help make our schools safe and welcoming places. We look forward to working alongside students, families and school communities to help make this a safe, positive and memorable school year for everyone.”

Safety tips for back-to-school

We encourage children of all ages to:

·        Know their full name, age, address and contact numbers (home, work and cell).

·        Stay aware of their surroundings when walking to and from school.

·        Travel with friends whenever possible.

·        Know trusted adults they can contact if they need help.

·        Report bullying, threats or suspicious activity to a parent, teacher or police.

·        Be cautious about sharing personal information online.

·        Think carefully before posting photos, videos or comments on social media.

·        Speak with a trusted adult if they encounter concerning content or interactions online.

Tips for young drivers

As more teens return to school behind the wheel, the CPS reminds young drivers to:

·        Slow down and watch for increased pedestrian traffic near schools.

·        Obey posted speed limits, especially around schools and in playground zones.

·        Eliminate distractions by putting phones and other devices away while driving.

·        Leave extra time to get to school and avoid rushing.

·        Watch carefully for cyclists, students crossing roadways and school buses.

Tips for parents and caregivers

Parents dropping children off at school can help keep everyone safe by:

·        Following all school traffic signs and directions.

·        Using designated drop-off and pick-up areas.

·        Avoiding double parking or stopping in crosswalks.

·        Watching for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.

·        Giving themselves extra travel time during the first few weeks of school.

New youth safety initiatives

This school year, the CPS is expanding its youth safety education efforts with the launch of Simon Says, a new safety-awareness campaign for children in kindergarten through Grade 5. The initiative provides age-appropriate safety messages through schools, newsletters and school outreach, helping younger children build positive safety habits early in life.

The CPS has also expanded its digital outreach to older youth through its growing social media presence, including TikTok. The platform will be used to share safety information and engage youth on topics such as online safety, digital citizenship and making informed decisions both online and in the community. The initiative aligns with the Service’s youth-focused education and awareness efforts aimed at students in Grades 6 to 12.

By combining in-person education, community engagement and digital outreach, the CPS continues to support youth safety and help young people develop the knowledge and skills they need to navigate today’s increasingly connected world.

For more information and safety resources, visit calgarypolice.ca.

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom