School Safety Guidelines for K – 12

As the school year begins, it’s essential for parents, students, administrators, and staff to come together and review the following key points. By prioritizing awareness and prevention, we can achieve significant positive outcomes. Let’s unite, refresh our understanding of safety and prevention, and strive for a positive and inclusive school year.

1. Familiarize Yourself with School Safety Protocols Parents, guardians, and students should understand the safety protocols and programs in place, including evacuation procedures, lockdowns, active assailant situations, and medical or mental health emergencies.
2. Maintain Open Communication with School Administrators Transparent and open dialogue among school administrators, parents, guardians, and students is essential for developing a cohesive approach to safety concerns, response procedures, and best practices.
3. Promote Personal Safety A comprehensive safety program includes teaching individuals to take responsibility for their own safety. This includes being aware of their surroundings, knowing available resources, avoiding strangers, and knowing what to do in emergencies.
4. Address Cybersecurity With issues ranging from cyberbullying and harassment to predatory behavior and cyberattacks, understanding and applying best practices for online safety is increasingly important to protect ourselves and our communities.
5. Ensure Safe Transportation Regardless of the mode of transportation—be it bus, car, bicycle, public transit, rideshare, or walking—ensure it is safe, reliable, and trusted.
6. Prepare for Health Emergencies Develop a personal emergency action plan. Be aware of where to seek help and what steps to take in emergencies, especially regarding known medical conditions like allergies or pre-existing health issues.
7. Good Hygiene Practice  While the COVID-19 pandemic may be a recent memory, maintaining good hygiene is still crucial. Regular hand-washing and avoiding close contact when sick can help reduce the risk of spreading illness.
8. Anti-Bullying Policies Bullying, particularly cyberbullying, remains a serious issue. Be informed about what constitutes bullying, how to recognize it, and the procedures for reporting and addressing it.
9. Secure Personal Belongings Theft can occur in schools. Protect your belongings—whether backpacks, lunchboxes, or electronics—through good personal security practices and accountability.
10. Encourage Open Communication Create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing their safety concerns with parents and guardians. Address these concerns promptly, either at home or with the school, to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
11. Choosing the Right Backpack Selecting the ideal backpack for your child is essential. Opt for one with ergonomic features that emphasize both safety and comfort. Encourage your child to use both straps to distribute weight evenly across their shoulders. The backpack should not exceed 5% to 10% of your child’s weight. Additionally, be cautious with rolling backpacks as they may pose tripping hazards in crowded school hallways.
12. Playgrounds and Sports Safety To reduce the risk of strangulation on playgrounds, make sure your child leaves necklaces and drawstring jackets at home. While minor bumps and bruises are a normal part of sports, it’s important to take any head injuries seriously and seek prompt medical attention.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association