S2 Ep2275: LIVE LIFE BETTER Sheriff Bob Gualtieri: Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Through The School Year

In this episode of LIVE LIFE BETTER, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser shares some of the latest safety tips from Inside The Star newsletter  Subscribe and stay in touch with Pinellas County Sheriff Office!From the Desk of  Sheriff Bob Gualtieri: Keep Kids Safe Through the School YearThe summer is flying by, and kids will be back in school before you know it. With most Pinellas Countyschools resuming this week , now is the time for parents to think about how to keep their kids safe.Bus Safety: At the bus stop, make sure kids know to arrive five to ten minutes early and stand at least sixfeet away from the curb while waiting. They should stay back until the bus comes to a complete stop,the door opens, and the driver signals them to board. Remind kids that it can be hard for the bus driver tosee them when they are close to the bus. If they need to cross in front of the bus, they should walk wellin front of the crossing arm that swings out from the front bumper and make eye contact with the driverbefore they start to cross. Cars are supposed to stop for school buses, but kids should always look tomake sure.Pedestrian Safety: Kids should stay on the sidewalk, and if they have to walk on the shoulder, theyshould be as far as possible from vehicles. They should cross the road where there is a crossing guardpresent. Follow the crossing guard’s instructions and only walk when they say it is safe. At signaledcrosswalks, they should press the button to activate the flashing lights, and then wait until all lanes oftraffic have stopped before crossing. Kids should be aware of situations where a driver might not seethem, such as when they are moving between cars, near bushes or signs, and around cars that arebacking up. If they have to walk at night, they should carry a light and wear bright or reflective clothing.Personal Safety: Whether waiting at a bus stop or walking to school, kids should avoid interacting withstrangers. Traveling in groups can help keep kids safe. Young children should be taught to never go witha stranger or get in their car, even if they claim to have been sent by their parents. Families shouldestablish a code word to use in emergencies. Let kids know that if someone approaches them in aworrying way they should yell and run somewhere safe, and tell a trusted adult what happened. Remindkids that they don’t have to be polite. Adults shouldn’t be asking kids for directions or help findingmissing pets. Teach kids early how to say no.Internet Safety: Pinellas County public schools no longer allow cell phone use during class hours, butkids will be on their devices before and after school so it is important to teach them how to be safeonline. No matter what age, parents need to keep track of their kids’ online life. Parental control appscan prevent kids from visiting harmful sites. Remind kids that people they know only over the internetmight say they are kids but actually be adults. Let them know they should never send personal photos orvideos to anyone, or give out personal information.Emotional Safety: Kids should never be afraid to tell their parents when something is wrong, so youneed to let them know they can come to you with anything. Be non-judgmental, ask open-endedquestions, and really listen. Be aware of emotional warning signs like withdrawing, changing habits orfriend groups, or expressions of negative self-worth.Back to school can be an exciting time full of new possibilities for kids. Do your part to make sure theycan stay safe as they focus on learning and growth.#pinellascountysheriff #bobgualtieri #backtoschoolsafetytips #nanettewiser #pinellascounty #insidethestar #radiostpete