How to Teach Your Children to Ride the School Bus Safely

Going back to school is not just about purchasing new books, pencils, clothes and backpacks; it is about taking the bus to school as well. Taking the bus to school can be a great opportunity for kids to socialize, catch up with friends they haven’t seen over the weekend, or read a book. Children might not realize the significance of their school bus ride, so it is up to the parents to educate them on bus safety and manners. The school bus driver plays an important role in your child’s life so make sure your child treats the driver with respect.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• School Bus

1. Do not cross in front of the bus. The bus driver will not be able to see you and cars behind the bus might not stop. Wait on the side of the road for the bus to pull away, look both ways and then cross when there are no other vehicles on the road.

2. Ask the bus driver his or her name. It is always a good idea to become friendly with your bus driver; after all, you will see the driver daily and it is the driver who will be responsible for your safety.

3. Avoid wearing accessories on your clothing. Remove loose items like dangling key chains or toggles that can get caught in the bus door. Put them in your backpack and place valuable items in a locker.

4. Select a bus buddy or friend that you can ride with. It will make your ride more pleasant and you can look out for one another.

5. Remember your bus number and your driver. Make a note and put it in your bag to help you the first few weeks of school. It is often difficult to find your particular bus with so many lined up, but if you know what your driver looks like and you memorize your bus number, it will make the process easier when school is over and it is time to go home.

6. Behave courteously. Do not scream, yell, play loud music or be rude on the school bus. Loud noise can annoy your fellow bus riders and distract your driver which can be dangerous.

Tips & Warnings

• Make learning about the school bus fun. Practice at home with your own vehicle on a non-crowded street.
• Just in case your child gets on the wrong school bus, make sure your child has identification on them with your name and phone number. You can put this in their backpack or on their lunchbox.
• Teach your child your phone number in the event of an emergency.