American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [60]
• Stay away from the curb and wait to board until the bus has stopped completely and the driver opens the door.
• Use the handrail when getting on the bus.
• Make sure your scarf, book bag, and coat don’t get caught in the door of the bus.
• Find a seat right away, sit down and rest your back against the back of the seat, and buckle your seat belt.
• Keep your personal belongings out of the aisle.
• Don’t put your arms, hands, or head out the window.
• Wait for the bus to stop completely before unbuckling your seat belt and getting out of your seat.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk along the side of the street until you can see the bus driver before walking across the road. Wait until he or she signals that it is OK to cross. Look both ways when you reach the center line of the road.
• Always stay away from the rear wheels of the bus.
School bus danger zones
A school bus that is stopped on the side of a street creates several danger zones in which it is impossible for the bus driver—and passing drivers—to see pedestrians. Unless they are getting on or off the bus, children should stay at least 10 feet away from the bus on all sides (diagonal lines). Children are the least able to be seen by the bus driver when they are next to the front of the bus and on the right side along the back (shaded area).
Stranger Danger
Tens of thousands of children are reported missing each year. Teach your children not to talk to or get into a car with someone they don’t know. Talk to your young children about being observant and cautious around strangers, even seemingly friendly ones (but be careful not to scare them). Adolescents also are vulnerable, so talk to your teenagers about personal safety. Share the following guidelines with your children:
• Always tell your parents where you are going and when you will return. If your plans change, call your parents to tell them where you will be.
• Avoid talking to people you don’t know or don’t know well. Some strangers pretend they need directions, or help with something. Don’t feel guilty about not answering a stranger—adults should ask other adults (not children) for help. Strangers may tell you that your parents are in trouble and that they will take you to your parents. Don’t be tricked into going anywhere with anyone you don’t know.
• Never, ever get into a car with a stranger.
• Don’t take anything from a stranger.
• Don’t accept a message from your parents through another person unless he or she uses a code word that you and your parents have decided on ahead of time.
• Always travel with at least one friend, whether you are walking or riding your bike.
• Never give anyone you don’t know well your name, phone number, or address—in person or over the telephone.
• Don’t take shortcuts through woods, empty lots, empty buildings, or dark alleys.
• If you are home alone, keep the door locked and don’t let anyone in—even someone you know—unless your parents have told you it’s OK to do so.
• If you feel that you are in danger, run to a nearby house, restaurant, or store to ask for help.
• If a stranger grabs you, fight back and yell, “I don’t know you!” or “You’re not my mom (dad)!” Keep fighting and yelling. Make as much noise as you can.
• Tell your parents if an adult has asked you to keep something a secret—that person might be threatening your safety or that of a friend.
• Tell an adult you trust if you see anyone acting suspiciously around a playground, school, or public rest room.
Internet Safety
Advances in computer technology allow children to have access to new sources of information on the Internet. These same advances can expose them to pornography and violence and leave them vulnerable to exploitation by online sexual predators. To lower the chances of your child being victimized, take the following steps:
• Keep the computer in the den or family room—not in your child’s bedroom—so the screen is visible to all family members.