Back to School Safety Tips for Parents

As the school year begins, the Vestal Police Department reminds parents and guardians to take a few simple steps to help keep children safe:

Getting to and from School- Walk younger children to the bus stop or school and remind them to always use sidewalks and crosswalks.

Teach children to look both ways before crossing and never enter the street from between parked cars. Remind teens driving to school about speed limits, seat belts, and the dangers of distracted driving.

Bus Safety- Arrive at the bus stop early—rushing can lead to accidents. Teach children to stand back from the curb and wait for the bus to fully stop before boarding. Remind them to stay seated and listen to the driver while on the bus.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Zones- Follow your school’s traffic rules and be patient—safety comes before convenience. Never double-park, block crosswalks, or ask your child to cross between cars.

Put your phone down—no texting or calling while driving, especially in school zones.

Stranger Safety- Encourage children to walk with friends whenever possible. Remind them never to accept rides or gifts from strangers.

Teach them to report anything unusual to a trusted adult or SRO immediately.

Back-to-School Photo Safety 

As families celebrate the first day of school, the Vestal Police Department reminds parents to be cautious when sharing photos online. A few simple steps can help protect your child’s safety and privacy:

Avoid Showing School Details- Don’t post photos that display your child’s school name, mascot, or classroom number. Be mindful of signs, logos, or bus numbers in the background.

Limit Personal Information- Skip posting your child’s full name, teacher’s name, or grade. Think twice before sharing “chalkboard” style signs with identifying details (age, school, favorite things).

Check the Background- Look for house numbers, street signs, license plates, or landmarks that reveal your location.

Review Privacy Settings- Make sure your posts are shared only with trusted friends and family. Regularly review your social media privacy controls.

Consider Sharing Later- Posting in real time can reveal your child’s exact location. Consider waiting until the end of the day.

 Your child’s safety is our top priority. With a few precautions, you can share those special “first day” memories while keeping your family safe.  The Vestal Police Department is committed to working with parents, Vestal Central School District, and the community to make sure every student has a safe and successful school year.

Stay alert, stay safe, and let’s work together to protect our children.