WASHINGTON, DC—As families across the country prepare for the new school year, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) urges parents and caregivers to take simple steps to help keep children safe, healthy, and out of the emergency department.

“Back-to-school season is an exciting time, but it also comes with risks—from playground injuries to increased illnesses and traffic dangers,” said Alison Haddock, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. “Emergency physicians will be ready to help you anytime, but a few precautions go a long way toward preventing common injuries and making sure children have a safe and healthy start to the school year.”

Emergency physicians recommend the following back-to-school safety tips:

Practice safe travel to and from school. If your children walk to school, teach them to choose direct routes, follow traffic signals, and always use sidewalks and crosswalks. Have a dedicated, safe pick-up and drop-off spot. Children riding a bike, e-bike, or scooter to school should wear properly fitted helmets. For children taking the school bus, review bus stop safety and how to remain visible to the bus driver. New teen drivers should be encouraged to limit distractions while on the road, especially cell phones, and always wear a seat belt.

Prevent school-related injuries. Ensure children have the proper safety gear for sports, physical, or outdoor activities and encourage warm-ups before games as well as hydration throughout the day. Make sure backpacks are not too heavy. From 2019 to 2021, according to the Consumer Safety Product Commission, each year on average there were 1,200 backpack-related injuries among children under 19 years old treated in emergency rooms.

Get vaccinated. Vaccines are vital to protecting students, their families, and their teachers. Flu season in the United States typically runs from October to May, so back-to-school is the perfect time to make sure your child gets a flu shot and any other vaccinations recommended by their physician.

Plan for emergencies. Make sure children know what to do in case of emergency. Encourage children to learn when to call 911 and teach them to give their name, address, and a brief description of the problem to appropriate health and safety officials. Update school records with emergency contacts and your child’s known health issues, especially in the case of asthma or serious allergies.