10 Back-to-School Health and Safety Tips for Kids

Make sure your child is up to date on their annual well-child visit. This appointment gives your pediatrician an opportunity to check your child’s growth and development, review immunizations and discuss concerns involving sleep, nutrition, behavior, school performance and mental health. Children who participate in school sports may need a sports physical or additional forms. 

“This is a great chance to talk to your pediatrician about any health changes your child may be experiencing,” says Daniel Lichtmann, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley. “Based on your family and child’s medical history, your physician can also identify and screen for specific health risks unique to your child.”

Check your child’s immunization record before school starts and schedule any vaccines they still need.

California requires certain immunizations for children attending public and private schools and child care programs. Requirements differ by age and grade, so check with your child’s school or the California Department of Public Health for current information.

“Not only do these vaccines prevent your child from getting a potentially serious illness, but they also go a long way toward eradicating these dangerous diseases,” Dr. Lichtmann says. 

Tell the school about medical conditions that may affect your child during the school day, including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies or mental health conditions.

Provide the school nurse or appropriate staff with current parent and emergency contact information, list of medications your child takes and contact information for your child’s pediatrician.

If your child has a disability or health condition that affects learning or school participation, review their individualized education program, known as an IEP or Section 504 plan, before classes begin.

Start adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times one or two weeks before school begins.

Children's sleep needs change as they grow. Children ages 6 to 12 generally need nine to 12 hours of sleep at night, while teens need eight to 10 hours. Keep a consistent routine and limit screens before bed to help your child arrive at school rested and ready to learn.

Remind your children not to talk to strangers and never to get into a stranger’s car, no matter what the circumstances. 

Choose a “code word” that only you, your children and trusted friends and family members know in case someone else has to pick them up and instruct your children never to trust anyone who doesn’t know the code word.

Make sure your child knows their address and a parent or caregiver’s phone number, which adults they can ask for help and who is authorized to pick them up.

Review the school’s plans for emergencies, evacuations, lockdowns and family reunification. Keep parent, caregiver and emergency-contact information current. Ask how the school will communicate with families and where children will be released after an emergency.

Teach your children to follow instructions from school staff and not leave campus unless released through the school’s designated process.

Place an emergency contact card in a secure interior pocket of your child’s backpack, especially for younger children or children with medical needs.

California law requires bicycle and e-bike riders younger than 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets federal or recognized safety standards.

Helmets are required for Class 3 e-bike riders and passengers of all ages. For a proper fit, the helmet should sit level and low on the forehead and remain snug without shifting.

Because e-bikes are generally heavier and can reach higher speeds than standard bicycles, riders may need additional training and practice to learn how to brake, turn and navigate traffic safely.

The California Highway Patrol offers online e-bike safety education and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition offers classes for every skill level.

A backpack that is too heavy or worn incorrectly can contribute to back, neck or shoulder discomfort.

Choose a lightweight backpack with two wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Adjust both straps so the pack rests close to the body, with the bottom near the waist. Distribute the weight of items within the pack evenly on both sides and keep it light.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that backpacks not exceed 10% to 20% of the child's weight. Consider a rolling backpack if allowed by the school.

Children who are being bullied may not always tell an adult. If you suspect your child is a victim of bullying, encourage them to tell you what is going on. Signs of bullying include bruises, scrapes, change in behavior and anxiety about going to school.

Make sure to offer support and comfort and listen calmly. Reassure your child that the bullying is not their fault and that nobody deserves to be bullied.

“Controlling your own emotions can make it easier for your child to open up to you about what he or she needs to feel safe,” Dr. Lichtmann says. “Talk to teachers and administrators about the situation.”    

Children with disabilities and special health needs may be at increased risk of bullying and may sometimes have difficulty recognizing or reporting it. Be aware of the signs of bullying and get your child's teacher involved as soon as possible if that is the case.

Your child’s pediatrician also can help identify signs of bullying, provide counseling and recommend additional support during routine visits.

Sports, clubs and extra-curricular activities can help children develop skills, friendships and confidence. However, too many commitments may interfere with sleep, schoolwork or family time.

“Let your children choose what they want to participate in and change or drop activities that aren’t enjoyable or become too demanding,” Dr. Lichtmann says.

Pediatricians also recommend creating a media use plan to balance screen time with sleep, exercise and other healthy activities.

With everyone on busy schedules, it can be difficult to find time to sit and talk with your kids.

“Make a point of asking your children about their day every afternoon or evening,” Dr. Lichtmann says.

“Give them your full attention and let them know you are interested in their lives," he adds. “Not only does this let your kids know you care, it can help open the door to conversations about problems or concerns.”