Gallery: Back to school safety tips
Texting safety: As the saying goes, "head up, phone down." Watching where you're walking to school and at school has become more important than ever with the popularity of smartphones among younger users. Make sure you can hear surroundings if headphones are in use and keep your eyes on the road while talking on the phone. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)Sean Gallup
Playground safety: Be aware and show your children things to look out for on the playground. It can be easy for kids to get hurt on old, damaged equipment - especially when they're busy having fun. Familiarize yourself and children with equipment that is safe and games best suited for playgrounds. (Photo by John Li/Getty Images)John Li
Backpack safety: While every kid wants to have the coolest looking backpack in class, that might not mean the safest. When selecting a backpack, look for one that's ergonomic in design, the correct size, padded in the back and on shoulder straps, has reflective material, and has multiple compartments to distribute weight better. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)Tim Boyle
Kris Connor
Drug safety: Schools make sure to educate students about the harmful effects of drug use, but education can start at home with parents. Teaching children about the risks of smoking, alcohol use, and risky behaviors will give them a head start on knowing how to navigate these issues safely at school. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)Spencer Platt
Classroom safety: Teachers should provide safety signage and emergency procedures in the classroom for students to reference. Safe classrooms also promote safe behaviors toward other students and when performing classroom tasks as well. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)Sean Gallup
Computer safety: Children need to practice safe habits online at home and at school. While many schools employ anti-virus and firewall prevention tools, kids should also help in keeping online use safe. Never use personal or sensitive information or visit suspicious websites. Anything out of the ordinary or potentially harmful should be reported to a teacher. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)Sean Gallup
Emergency safety: Emergency preparedness is often taught at school but can be prepared for at home as well. Knowing what to do when a disaster strikes and how to get in touch with loved ones can help families through a disaster. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images)Sandra Mu