As a parent, it’s natural to be worried about your child’s safety when they’re away at school. There are so many things that could go wrong, and it’s hard to keep track of everything. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help ease your mind. In this blog post, we will discuss six ways that parents can track their child’s safety in school. Keep reading for more information!
1. Use GPS tracking on their child’s phone
There are some parental security apps, that allow you to track your child’s phone in real-time. This is a great way to see where they are at all times and make sure that they’re staying safe. They can tell when is whatsapp used for cheating, or when a child leaves a restricted area.
If you’re not comfortable using an app, there are also GPS watches that can be used for tracking purposes. These watches usually have a monthly fee, but they provide peace of mind for parents who want to keep tabs on their children.
There are even some schools that utilize GPS tracking in order to ensure the safety of their students. If your child’s school offers this service, be sure to take advantage of it!
2. Stay informed about their school schedule and whereabouts
You should always know what your child is doing at school. Make sure you are informed about their schedule, activities, and whereabouts in the case of an emergency.
It’s also good practice to establish a way for them to contact you directly if something happens during the day or after hours when they’re home alone. This could be through text message, phone calls, email services like Gmail or Outlook mail app, social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger chats with friends/family members who live nearby so that help can arrive quickly and safely!
This will ensure safety for both parties involved – parents know where their children are and how long it may take them to get back home; kids feel safer knowing someone has been notified if any danger happens to them, so it is a win-win situation.
3. Have a family chat plan in case of an emergency
It’s important for families to have a chat plan in case of emergencies. This way, parents will know who to call and what to do if they can’t reach their child or there is an emergency situation at school. Situations may arise where the parent needs to pick up the child from school quickly or meet them somewhere else, so it’s helpful to have a game plan!
Some points that should be included in the family chat plan:
- The best way to contact each other (phone numbers, emails, social media platforms);
- How often check-ins will take place (Every few hours? Once a day?);
- What type of emergencies would warrant picking up the child from school early/meeting them somewhere else?
- What are the child’s specific instructions if parents can’t reach each other or there is an emergency (e.g., go to a designated neighbor’s house, go to the police station)?
4. Talk to your child about stranger danger and what to do if they’re approached by someone they don’t know
Make sure they know their full name, address, and phone number, so they can give it to someone if they need help. Explain what would happen in certain situations, so your child knows how to respond appropriately without panicking.
Main tips:
- Show them how to be assertive by saying “No,” loudly, and making eye contact with the stranger;
- Teach them to run away or seek a trusted adult for help if they feel threatened;
- Discuss what types of situations are safe (e.g., asking for directions) versus unsafe (offering candy/money, etc.);
- Talk about digital safety as well, like not talking to strangers online or sharing personal information on social media platforms.
5. Organize a meeting with the school administration to discuss safety concerns
One of the best ways for parents to ensure their child’s safety in school is by organizing a meeting with the administration. This way, parents can voice any concerns they have and work together with the school staff to create a plan that will keep all students safe. Some topics that could be discussed at this meeting include:
- How does the school communicate emergencies to parents?
- What are the procedures for pickup and drop-off?
- What is the school’s policy on outside visitors?
- Are there any areas of the campus that are off-limits to students?
- What is the procedure for reporting suspicious behavior?
Parents should also establish rules for communication with teachers and other parents. This can help avoid any misunderstandings or confusion if an emergency does occur. Some things to consider include:
- How often should parents expect updates from teachers?
- What should parents do if they don’t hear from their child’s teacher after a reasonable amount of time has passed?
- Are there any topics that should not be discussed in emails or online chats between parents and teachers?
- How will parents know when it is appropriate to call for an emergency?
6. Implement a buddy system for walking to and from school.
This can help ensure that kids are safe walking to and from school. Having a buddy system also allows parents to feel more at ease knowing that their child is not walking to or from school alone.
Conclusion
These are just a few tips for how parents can track their child’s safety in school. For more information, be sure to contact your child’s school administrator. They will be able to provide you with additional resources and advice on how best to keep your child safe while they’re away from home. Thanks for reading!
