Preparing a Security Checklist for School Age Children: Smart Steps to Keep Your Kids Safe This Year

After a full summer of keeping a watchful eye on your kids—whether they were in the backyard, at camp, or just down the hall—sending them back to school can stir up more than a few nerves.

The beginning of the school year is the ideal time to establish safety routines and checklists, ensuring that proactive measures are in place before any emergencies occur.

You’re not alone. Every fall, I hear from parents who are excited for a return to routine, but anxious about safety—especially when they can’t be there every step of the way. The good news? A few smart tools and simple safety routines can go a long way toward peace of mind.

Let’s break it down together.

Step 1: Prep Their Minds with Safety Know-How

Before you pack that backpack, spend some time helping your child feel confident and prepared by educating them on safety protocols. It’s also important to ensure they are aware of their surroundings and the safety plans in place:

• Review their daily route: Walk it together if they’ll be on foot or biking. Discuss transportation options and practice stops and what-ifs (like “what if the bus doesn’t come?”). Go over safety guidelines for walking to school, such as using crosswalks and staying on the sidewalk.

• Talk about trusted adults: Who can they call if they need help and can’t reach you?

• Rehearse emergencies: From fire drills to stranger danger to sudden schedule changes, role-playing helps kids become familiar with safety procedures through regular practice and build muscle memory for safety.

• Set clear boundaries: Are they allowed to go to a friend’s house after school? Use the microwave? Invite friends over?

When you empower your child with both knowledge and structure, they don’t just feel safer—they are safer.

Step 2: Build a Family Safety Plan (and Write It Down)

Back-to-school isn’t just about pencils and lunchboxes—it’s also the perfect time to build your family’s safety checklist.

Here’s what should be on it:

• Emergency contacts: Make sure every caregiver, teacher, coach, and other key contacts have your up-to-date info. It’s important to be able to contact caregivers quickly in an emergency.

• Backup plans: Who’s Plan B if you’re delayed at work? What if school closes unexpectedly?

• School-specific safety: Know your school’s lockdown, evacuation, and reunification policies, as well as the safety plans and emergency plans developed by school administrators, educators, and administrators. Ask about the procedures in place and how they are practiced. Be your child’s advocate.

Developing and regularly updating safety plans and emergency plans is essential. Seek guidance from your school administrator, educators, and available resources to ensure your family is prepared. Support and collaboration between families, educators, and administrators are key to keeping our kids safe.

Step 3: Use Tech to Stay Connected Without Hovering

Let’s be real—most of us can’t leave work early every day to walk our kids home. But thanks to advances in technology, including smart, discreet GPS tracking tech, you don’t have to. Technology plays a crucial role in keeping families connected and safe, especially when it comes to monitoring and protecting teens during and after school.

At BrickHouse, we’ve helped thousands of families find the right solution:

• Wearable GPS trackers let you know your child or teen got to school—or made it safely home, helping to protect students at every step.

• Geo-fencing alerts ping you if your child leaves a designated area, and when integrated with security systems, these alerts enhance your ability to protect students and teens.

• Real-time tracking gives you peace of mind during emergencies or unexpected delays, and technology ensures you can respond immediately if needed.

It’s not about spying—it’s about staying connected and informed when your child needs you most. Having a reliable phone line for emergency calls is essential, as phone calls can become overloaded during crises, so consider alternative communication methods like text messaging to ensure you can reach your child or their school immediately.

?️ Bonus tip: Pair your child’s GPS with home security tools like smart locks, indoor cameras, or integrated security systems for added confidence during before/after school hours. The effectiveness of creating a secure environment is greatly increased by combining technology and security systems to protect students and teens.

Step 4: Create a Safe Home Base

For many families, kids are home alone for a stretch—whether it’s 30 minutes or a few hours. That’s okay, if the environment is secure. Think of the home as an extension of the safe campus environment, where safety protocols and security measures are just as important:

• Install smart locks to control access remotely and provide access control, securing entry points and deterring potential threats.

• Use indoor cameras to check in (and let them wave hi!).

• Set household rules for screen time, snack time, and friends visiting solo, helping prevent injuries and address safety issues that may arise when a student is home alone.

• Keep security tech up to date, especially if your child is home with younger siblings.

Regularly assess and mitigate risk for students at home by checking for hazards and ensuring all safety measures are in place.

By blending clear expectations with the right tools, you’re setting everyone up for a safer, smoother school year.

Final Thought: Plan Today, Worry Less Tomorrow

Back-to-school is a natural time for transitions—and a perfect time to refresh your family’s safety plan. Preparedness and being proactive in planning for the likelihood of various threats and crises can make a significant difference in keeping your family safe. It’s important to identify potential risks and have emergency plans and strategies in place, especially for school age children. Regular training, knowing how to respond, and collaborating with first responders and responders are essential, particularly in the event of targeted violence or other emergencies.

If you’re unsure where to start, our team at BrickHouse Security is here to help. We’ve tested every product ourselves (yes, I really put these trackers through their paces), and we’re always happy to guide you to the right fit for your family’s unique needs.

? Have questions? Reach out anytime—we’re just a call or click away.