Back to School Blog

Keep your kids safe while travelling to and from school.  

Heading Back to School

Back to school was one of the most exciting times for me when I was younger. I was always so excited to see what a new school year would bring and the fun activities that I would get to experience with my classmates. What I would be most excited for was to get back with all of my classmates that I missed all summer long.

PrevCon 2019 Was a Kaleidoscope of Fun!

We love that every two years, PrevCon is different and unique – new faces, emerging issues and evolving perspectives. At the same time, we’re grateful that some things remain the same: The dedication, energy and enthusiasm that our attendees, presenters and staff bring to our conference amaze us each and every time! And PrevCon 2019 was no exception.

Five Ways to Make Sure Kids Stay Safe Around Fireworks

Learn how to keep your family during the 4th of July and year-round. 

Everyone loves the Fourth of July—especially my daughter, Lily.  At 4, she is finally old enough to appreciate the fireworks at our local park.  I’m looking forward to seeing her face light up (quite literally) when she watches the display of bangs, bursts and sparkles.

The Top 5 Summer Safety Tips

Get the top 5 summer safety tips to consider this season. 

Summer time means lots of fun and adventures. Here are five safety tips to keep your kids safe whether they’re at home, at play, or on the road.

Watching Out for Military Families and Others Living in Federal Housing

Many families in federal housing are living in dangerous conditions.  

Our mission at Safe Kids is to protect kids from preventable injury, many involving risks in the home. Parents should have the power to prevent such child injuries. Recent developments led us to take action to make sure parents have the power to protect their families when their house or apartment is under the control of the federal government.

Kids Talk about the Gifts and Challenges of Growing up with Dyslexia on Parent Pep Talk Podcast

Growing up with dyslexia can be hard but it can also be a gift.

When I was in third grade, a teacher I didn't know pulled me out of my reading class and asked, “Do you know what a learning disability is?” I shook my head back and forth. She looked me right in the eye, smiled, and said, "It's a gift. You see things differently and you learn things differently than most people, but different is good.”

The 2019 United Nations Global Road Safety Week

The United Nations Global Road Safety Week is May 6-12, 2019. Read what we’re doing to keep kids safe on the road, all year long. 

Monday, May 6, 2019 is the beginning of the United Nation’s 5th Global Road Safety Week (GRSW). This year’s theme is Leadership for Road Safety. The goal is to mobilize leaders and road safety stakeholders to take action that will help reduce deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by half by the year 2020.

A Lesson on Child-proofing for Medicine Safety

Read about one family’s close call with medicine poisoning, their lessons learned and why medicine safety is now a child-proofing priority.

Any parent will tell you that those early days of child-rearing can feel like a wild journey: You do everything you can to prepare yourself, but invariably, there are surprises. A lot of them! And that’s particularly true when it comes to your child’s development.

Child-Proofing Your Home to Keep Your Child Safe Around Medicine

For many parents, medicine safety is not a top priority when child-proofing their home. Learn why it’s important to keep all medicine up and out of reach, even medicine you use every day.

When parents think about child-proofing their home, many don’t consider medicine safety a top priority. The reason is that most parents believe that they are already practicing medicine safety: They “store” it up and away, in a safe location like a cabinet or closet.

Ask an Expert About Child-proofing and Medicine Safety

Find answers here to your frequently asked questions about medicine safety.

This week’s “Ask An Expert” column helps parents with questions about child-proofing and medicine safety.

Question: My 6-month old looks like she’ll be on the move soon. I’ve already installed safety gates and cabinet locks, but when do I need to move medicine up and away?

Medicine Safety: Your Questions Answered

Find answers here to your frequently asked questions about medicine safety.

Here are some questions we frequently receive about medicine safety that can help keep your family safe.

Spring Forward

It’s that time of year again. On Sunday, March 10, the clocks go forward, the days get longer and families get an extra precious hour of daylight. Perfect for moms like me who want our kids outside playing as long as possible.

But what you may not know is that Daylight Savings is also a great time to check your smoke alarms to make sure the batteries are fresh.

America’s Favorite Crossing Guard - And the Winner Is….

After a nationwide contest and with nearly 90,000 votes by supporters, the winner of the America’s Favorite Crossing Guard contest is Chief Lyn Woolford of Ashland, MO!

We are excited to announce the winners of America’s Favorite Crossing Guard!

First Place

Lyn Woolford of Ashland, MO

Dad Shares ‘Humiliating’ Story of Sideline Rage on Youth Sports Episode of The Parent Pep Talk Podcast

One dad Takes one for the Team on Parent Pep Talk Podcast by sharing ‘humiliating’ outburst at son’s hockey practice.

When I was a 21-year-old reporter for The Washington Post, one of the first things I learned from the high school sports editor, Neil Greenberger, was that everyone has a great story. I thought about that idea while interviewing Mike Miranda for the youth sports episode of The Parent Pep Talk, which will be released today.

How to Become a CO Pro in 3 Steps

Make your way to becoming a pro on carbon monoxide safety with these steps. 

As temperatures around the country continue to fall, gas-powered generators and heating units can provide wonderful benefits to families when used properly.

New Parenting Podcast Offers Advice and Understanding from Experts, Parents and Teens

The Parent Pep Talk, Safe Kids Worldwide’s new parenting podcast, provides perspective, tips, and support.

I’ve always thought of parenting as a team sport. It works better when we can support each other, learn from each other, and understand that we’re not alone. That’s what The Parent Pep Talk podcast is all about, which you can download today on iTunes or your podcast app.

Top Four Lessons Learned from My Internship at Safe Kids Worldwide

A former intern shares her experience working at Safe Kids Worldwide as the Global Network Intern.

This blog was written by Alisa Hardison, Safe Kids Global Network fall intern.

During the Fall of 2018, I worked at Safe Kids Worldwide as the Network Intern. While the work was challenging and emotional, I learned four important lessons that I will take with me wherever I go in the future. 

Winter Sports Safety Tips for Your Kids

Parents, learn a few tips to keep your kids safe while they have fun in the snow. 

Whether your kids are snowboarders, figures skaters or just having fun in the snow, here are a few winter sports safety tips to keep them active, healthy and safe.  

Winter is Coming: A Cold-Weather Safety Checklist

Here are some important winter safety tips to help keep you and your family stay safe.

Here are some important winter safety tips to help keep you and your family stay safe.

Following the Tragic Death of Three Children, School Bus Cameras Can Help Save Lives

After several tragedies with school buses, school bus cameras are a way to keep kids safe.

On most days, the safest way for kids to get to school is on a school bus. Sadly on October 26, 6-year-old twin boys Xzavier and Mason, and their 9-year-old sister, Alivia Stahl, were exceptions to that rule. They were on their way to Mentone Elementary School in rural Rochester, Indiana. Their bus was traveling northbound on a two-lane highway with a 55-mph speed limit.

8 Tips to Keeping Halloween Safe

See how you can keep Halloween a happy and safe holiday. 

Halloween is, hands down, my favorite holiday. It has been for as long as I can remember and for so many reasons:

Remember "30 Below Stroll" and Walk Safely on International Walk to School Day

Pedestrian safety experts shares tips on how to walk safely on International Walk to School Day.

When I was a teenager, my friend's dad said I have a “30 below stroll,” because he said I was too cool to be in a hurry. I’m not sure about the “cool” part but it’s true that for most of my life, I walked slow and easy. And it worked for me.

But that all changed when I moved to the nation’s capital to work at Safe Kids.

Soaring Teen Injury Death Rates Call for Stronger Driver’s License Laws

Teen driving tragedy a strong reminder to do more to prepare teens to be safe drivers.

This blog was written by Akhil Reddy, Safe Kids Public Policy summer intern.

To this day I still grip the wheel of my car a little harder while driving if I think about what happened to a 15-year-old sophomore in the city outside Houston where I grew up. His name was Ben Silas.

Safety Information for Railroad Safety Week

Learn about Railroad Safety Month and what Safe Kids and Union Pacific Railroad are doing to keep kids safe around railroad tracks.

Railroad Safety Week is September 23-29

Safe Kids and Union Pacific Railroad are teaming up to protect kids during Rail Safety Week. Safe Kids is proud to be working alongside Union Pacific to help spread this important safety information. To learn more about our partnership, check out our partnership page.

5 Tips for New Parents During Baby Safety Month

Keep your baby safe with these 5 tips.

Congratulations on your new baby. You're going to be a great parent, and we'll be right here with you so you're not alone. September is Baby Safety Month so it’s a perfect time for these 5 safety tips.

Child Passenger Safety Month Promotes Car Seat Safety for Parents

During the month of September, Safe Kids coalitions will celebrate Child Passenger Safety Month by hosting events all across the country to help parents learn how to install and use their child’s car seat correctly.

Every year during the month of September, Safe Kids coalition members host events across the country to help parents learn how to install and use their car seat correctly. These events are in celebration of National Child Passenger Safety Month, with the biggest focus being on Seat Check Saturday on September 29.

5 Tips for Choosing Your Baby’s First Car Seat

Check out our tips for buying your baby’s first car seat and learn about the best options for keeping your baby safe and staying within your budget.

When you’re expecting a baby – especially if it’s your first – there are lots of things you might want to have on hand: A crib, a baby monitor, a box of diapers (or ten!). 

Railroad Safety FAQs

Frequently asked questions about railroad and train track safety

Here are some frequent questions we have gotten about railroad safety that can help to keep your family safe.

Chicago Fire Tragedy Reminds Families of the Importance of Working Smoke Alarms: Check Out Tips to Stay Safe in Home Fire

A tragedy in a Chicago fire is a reminder to all parents to learn how to keep kids safe in home fires. Here are tips that can help save a life.

When you wonder what we mean at Safe Kids when we say our mission is to protect kids from preventable injuries, think about the Contreras family. Early Sunday morning, a fire broke out in an apartment in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. Ten kids ages 3-months-old to 16-years-old died, including two 14-year-olds who recently died of their injuries at Stroger Hospital.

Summer Heat Calls for Action to Protect Young Athletes on Sports Fields

Too many kids are dying of heatstroke during summer practices. Learn how these tragedies can be prevented. 

This blog was written by Akhil Reddy, Safe Kids Public Policy summer intern.

Safe Kids Day Reaches Parents and Children around the Country

Thousands of families celebrate Safe Kids Day in their communities

At Safe Kids Day in Palm Beach County, FL, a young middle school boy in a bright red Safe Kids Day shirt greets guests and passes out My High 5 booklets. He shows them where to get in line to pick out their free bike helmet. The boy has some difficulties speaking and seems shy. His mom explains how they began volunteering for their local Safe Kids coalition.

After 10 Years, Consumer Product Improvement Law is Worth Celebrating

The ten year anniversary of the tougher federal law on child consumer product safety celebrated by Safe Kids intern

This blog was written by Akhil Reddy, Safe Kids Public Policy summer intern.

Beware of Liquid Nicotine Packaged as Products That Appeal to Kids

Liquid nicotine is packaged in ways that young kids find appealing, so it’s important for to be aware of the dangers of this lethal substance.

This blog was written by Avani Rao, Safe Kids Public Policy summer intern.

A small child sees what looks like a can of whipped cream can right in front of them. What do you think the child would do?

You guessed it – the typical kid would probably open it up and taste what’s inside.

Ensuring Bus Safety with Updated Seat Belt Laws

A first-person account examining the issue of state laws requiring the use of seat belts on school buses. Our blogger looks at what is going on in various states and explains why a law requiring a “three-point” seat belt is the safest bet.

This blog was written by Avani Rao, Safe Kids Public Policy summer intern.

Make a Life Jacket Your Fashion Statement of Summer 2018

Wearing a life jacket while canoeing or kayaking in open water is important for everyone, especially kids. The vast majority of fatal boating accidents occur when victims are not using one. What parents need to know to keep kids safe.

This blog was written by Madi Hawkins, Safe Kids Public Policy summer intern.

Ask an Expert: How to find the right life jacket?

Using a life jacket when boating or participating in activities is a smart way to keep kids safe.  Safe Kids Worldwide Expert Ali Flury offers advice on picking the right one for your child’s size and activity.

Q. How can I be sure I have the right life jacket for my child?

Great question! Making sure kids are wearing the right life jacket is one of the best ways to keep them safe while boating and participating in water activities. Here are a few tips to remember when choosing a life jacket:

6 Grilling Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe

Keep the grill going and your kids safe with these safety tips. 

Summer time and warmer weather means an increased use of outdoor grills  - and, unfortunately, more grill-caused injuries and fires.

Things You Need To Know As You Head Back To School

Mistakes kids make when walking and how to be safer. 

A new school year can often be the beginning of something special – another year for students to learn, grow and imagine all the possibilities (even if our kids don’t always see it that way).