South Africa
Back to school: Parents urged to prioritise safety─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:16 Wed, 14 Jan 2026
As the school year begins, parents, educators, and communities must prioritise the safety of children on their way to and from school.
Schools reopened in the country for the 2026 academic year on Wednesday (14/1). Thousands of children began at new schools, and others returned to their old schools in different grades.
Parents are urged to prioritise the safety of children when travelling to and from school. They can follow several safety tips to ensure their children’s safety while going to school or coming back.
Police advise parents to:
- Have regular conversations with your child about school safety, driving practices, and road traffic laws to ensure they understand the road rules.
- Teach your child the proper way to get on and off the school transport.
- Ensure that your child is buckled up when transported to school.
- Draw up a list of important numbers your child can use in an emergency.
- When picking up children at school always remind them to wait inside the school premises.
Police advise parents to draw up a list of important numbers that can be used in an emergency. Photo supplied
Private investigator Mike Bolhuis added that safety education should be ongoing and age-appropriate, not a once-off discussion. “During the school day, open communication about friendships, activities, and emotions helps parents identify early signs of stress or bullying.
“By combining preparation, open dialogue, and confidence-building, parents create layered protection for children both physically and emotionally throughout the school day.”
Children should know which trusted adults to approach for help and understand body autonomy and emergency drill procedures. The objective is not to raise an anxious child, but a prepared and confident one, he said.
‘Children should never accept lifts from strangers‘
When walking to and from school, children should:
- Only walk on the pavement and crosswalks, and look both ways before they cross a road.
- Never accept lifts from strangers.
- Not use electronic devices or earphones while walking to and from school.
- Always walk to and from school with a friend or friends.
- Stick to streets you know and never take shortcuts through unfamiliar or quiet areas.
