By Scott Pace, owner of Ballast Security  

As the new school year kicks off here in Southwest Florida, families from Charlotte to Collier counties are getting ready for the familiar bustle of backpacks, lunchboxes, early mornings and busier roadways.  

As a proud dad and the founder of Ballast Security, a local security service provider, I understand the mix of excitement and concern that comes with sending kids back to school.  

Safety is always top of mind for parents. With my experience protecting family neighborhoods, businesses and schools in our community, here are some practical, actionable tips that every parent should consider to help keep their children safe this school year.  

Map out safe routes for walking or biking  

Many kids enjoy walking or biking to their nearby school, but it’s important to make sure their routes are as safe as possible. Before seeing them off, take some time to walk or bike the route together. Look for well-lit streets, crosswalks with crossing guards and places where children can safely wait if they’re early.  

Teach your child to avoid distractions like phones and noise-cancelling headphones when near traffic. Practicing the commute together reinforces their daily route to school and helps you spot any potential hazards along the way.  

Beyond stranger danger, talk about personal safety  

Parents often warn kids about “stranger danger,” but research shows that most child abductions or unsafe encounters involve someone the child knows. Actually, fewer than 1% of child abductions in the U.S. are committed by strangers.  

That’s why it’s crucial to teach your children about trusted adults they can turn to in an emergency. Make a list together of family members, neighbors, teachers or family friends who are safe contacts. Encourage your child to speak up if anything or anyone makes them uncomfortable, no matter who it is.  

Set clear guidelines for online safety  

Technology is a big part of kids’ lives today, especially as they get older. Whether it’s social media, online games or schoolwork, internet safety is crucial. Talk to your children about protecting their personal information and the importance of privacy settings. Teach them to think critically about friend requests or messages from strangers.  

Use parental control tools to monitor or set friendly limits on their online activities, making it easier to keep them safe and secure. Regular conversations about the world online can help your child feel comfortable coming to you with any questions or concerns.  

Help your child memorize emergency contacts  

Cell phones can be lost, damaged or dead during a crisis. Make sure your child knows their full name, your phone number and at least one other emergency contact’s details by heart. Practice this regularly so it becomes second nature. In an emergency, this knowledge can be lifesaving.  

Discuss emergency preparedness outside the home 

Use the start of a new school year as a springboard to talk with your children about what to do in different emergency situations, from fire drills to lockdowns. Emphasize staying calm and listening to trusted adults.  

Consider creating a family safety plan with clear steps they can follow if separated from you or if something unexpected happens while apart. Empowering your child with this knowledge and practice builds their confidence and resilience.  

Keep personal information off school belongings  

It’s common to label backpacks, lunchboxes or notebooks with a child’s name and sometimes contact info. While this helps identify lost items, it can also expose your child’s personal details to strangers. Consider using only first names or initials and avoid including phone numbers or addresses on items kids carry to school.  

It’s also important to remember we're in a digital age now. Social media plays a big role in much of what we do and that includes someone that may want to do harm to your child. Be aware of this and keep your child’s name, school, grade, teacher and other pertinent information off of social media as well. These are all things that a stranger would need to know to gain a child’s trust. 

Starting a new school year brings fresh opportunities for learning and growth. But it also requires vigilance and preparation to keep our children safe.  

Remember, safety isn’t just about rules. By combining open communication, practical safety habits and thoughtful planning, we as parents can create a secure environment for our kids to thrive – no matter where they are.  

About the Author 

Scott Pace is the owner and founder of Ballast Security, a trusted local provider of comprehensive security solutions for residential, commercial and industrial clients in Southwest Florida. Visit BallastSC.com for more information.