The beginning of a new school year is a time for children to explore new opportunities for fun, discovery and academic accomplishments. Among playground activities and the bus stop exist various risks and dangers. Commuting injuries, bullying, “stranger danger,” and inappropriate Internet exposure can be understandably concerning for parents. Ensure a safe and happy school year for your kids by reading the following.

Walking, Biking & Busing

NPR names traffic accidents as the leading cause of fatal childhood injuries. Make sure your child knows and obeys all traffic safety rules, such as wearing a helmet while riding a bike. Prepare your child to expect the unexpected from drivers so they can have a smart, safe and calm reaction. Kids should also make eye contact with bus drivers and stand a safe distance away from the curb at bus stops.

Bullies

Bully

ing affects one out of four schoolchildren, according to the National Association of African American Studies, but smart coping tactics can help prevent conflicts and emotional injuries. The National Crime Prevention Council urges parents to teach their kids about discretion. Combat school bullying with role-playing scenarios at home that teach your kids how to communicate and reason with bullies.

After-School Programs

Enrolling your children in after-school programs can greatly improve both their academic performance and after-school safety. For example, students who participated in Chicago’s Project Exploration after-school program experienced a 95 percent graduation rate, nearly twice the general public school population in that city. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center also reports that students who participate in after-school programs are 49 percent less likely to use drugs.

Home Alone Rules

More than 40 percent of children spend time alone in the house, mentions the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. The National Crime Prevention Council recommends that you keep a list of emergency numbers and other important contact information in a highly visible place. Teach your children how and when to use this information. Talk to trusted neighbors about ways you can help look after each other’s children. You may well find that safe after-school haven right next door or just down the street. A home security system can also help prevent dangerous situations — consult sites such as securitycompanies.com to find a system that meets your needs and budget.

Internet Safety

Even when your kids have safely made it home, the Internet poses digital threats from lurkers with criminal intent. Computer monitoring apps, such as Chatminder, Spector 2.0 and ContentMonitor can help safeguard your child’s online activity. Make sure your children know how to report or talk about uncomfortable encounters on Facebook or in an email correspondence. Nemours’ Kids Health urges parents to learn how to use their service provider’s content filters or other online protection features to steer their kids away from objectionable data or dangerous sites.

Jodi is a mom and kindergarten teacher originally from Alabama. She likes to think her Southern charm gives her writing a little edge.