Teenagers: Walking To School On Their Own
Getting kids out of the 4x4 and walking to school is always a good idea. But teenagers usually have further to go to secondary school, which means parents have more to worry about. Follow our top tips for keeping your children safe on their journey to school.
Eyes And Ears
Teenagers have a lot on their minds, so remind them to keep their eyes and minds on the roads. Listening to an MP3, texting on their mobile or chatting to friends as they cross the road doesn't count as concentrating!
Friends Reunited
Teenagers want to hang out with their mates: in fact, in a recent survey 78% said the best part of the school journey is meeting up with friends. So encourage your kids to travel with their friends. That way they're happy, you're happy they're not travelling on their own, everyone's happy!
The Longest Journey
Children starting secondary school may be doing longer or unfamiliar journeys. Help them negotiate the new route by doing it with them beforehand, involving them in decisions on the roads. Ask them to choose a safe place to cross for example, so they're more aware and alert when they're without you.
Bright Eyes
The evenings may be getting lighter, but it's always worth encouraging them to wear fluorescent or reflective gear so children are seen by traffic. For the more fashion-conscious, reflective strips or key rings attached to their bags are a good way of staying safe without losing any credibility with their mates.
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