As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It's important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year. Download the back-to-school checklist here.

School Safety

Many School-related injuries are completely preventable. Follow these steps to ensure your child's safety at school.

Backpack Safety

Choose a backpack for your child carefully; it should have ergonomically designed features to enhance safety and comfort.

• Ask your children to use both straps when wearing their backpack to evenly distribute the weight on their shoulders
• Don't overstuff a backpack; it should weigh no more than 5% to 10% of your child's body weight
• Rolling backpacks should be used cautiously since they can create a trip hazard in crowded school hallways

Playground and Sports

• To reduce strangulation hazards on playgrounds, have your child leave necklaces and jackets with drawstrings at home
• A few bumps and bruises can be expected when your child plays sports, but head injuries should never be ignored.

(Information obtained from the National Safety Council's Website.)
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