School Bus Stop Safety Tips: How to Protect Your Child
Many security cameras record footage around the clock, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep everything that’s recorded.
Many security cameras record footage around the clock, but that doesn’t mean you need to keep everything that’s recorded.
Prepare your child before the bus arrives: Teach them visibility, punctuality, and how to handle situations like bus bullying by sitting near the driver and speaking up if they feel unsafe.
Emphasize safe habits at the stop and on the bus: Remind children to wait calmly, avoid distractions, and use handrails while boarding or exiting, always making eye contact with the driver before crossing.
Parents play an active role in bus safety: From advocating for safe, well-marked stops to using tools like Arlo cameras with the Arlo Secure plan for peace of mind, small steps make a big difference in protecting your child.
Helping your child get to and from school safely gives parents peace of mind. Learn more about how you can teach your children about school bus and bus stop safety.
School bus safety starts before your child leaves the house. Encourage your child to wear bright-colored clothing, especially on darker mornings or during winter months, to increase their visibility. Reflective gear, like backpacks or jackets, can also make them more visible.
Before the school year starts, walk with your child to the bus stop so they know where to wait for the bus. Make sure they understand that they should wait at least ten feet away from the curb.
Another important part of school bus safety to teach your child is the importance of being on time. Rushing can cause accidents or make your child less likely to pay attention to their surroundings. Try to have your child at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives.
Finally, remind your child that if they experience bullying on the bus, they should speak up if they feel unsafe or mistreated. They can report issues to the bus driver or a trusted adult. One way to avoid bus bullying is to sit near the front of the bus, near the driver.
Remind your child that while they’re waiting at the bus stop, it isn’t a place for playing or running around. You should also encourage your child to be aware of their surroundings while waiting for the bus, making sure they avoid distractions like phones or music.
Cars and other vehicles are supposed to yield to buses, but proper precautions should still be taken just in case. Make sure your child understands bus blind spots:
Bus drivers can’t see behind the bus, so children should never walk behind it.
Buses are high off the ground, and drivers might not be able to see directly in front of the bus. If kids need to cross the street in front of the bus, they should walk at least ten feet in front of it or walk on the sidewalk instead.
Teach your child to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching it. They should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing the street so that the driver knows they’re nearby. Remind your child that if they drop something near the bus, they should tell the bus driver immediately. If your child tries to pick up the dropped item without saying anything, the bus driver may not be able to see them, leading to a potentially unsafe situation.
Encourage your child to use the handrail when entering or exiting the bus. This can help prevent trips or falls, especially on rainy days when the stairs might be wet. Make sure your little one understands the importance of wearing a seatbelt once they get on the bus.
When you get an Arlo camera or doorbell with an Arlo Secure plan, you’ll get dozens of safety features. The Premium plan comes with features like:
Taking small steps now ensures your child’s safety and peace of mind. Protect your home and your family with Arlo’s AI-powered security today.
