What Every Child Should Know Before Walking to School

Walking to school is a fantastic way for children to stay active, build confidence and develop independence. However, before children start walking to school on their own or with friends, it’s important they understand how to stay safe around roads, traffic and other everyday hazards.

Teaching children good road safety habits from an early age can help them become confident, responsible pedestrians and reduce the risk of accidents on the journey to and from school.

Here are the key road safety lessons every child should know before setting off.

1. Remember the Green Cross Code

One of the most important road safety skills a child can learn is the Green Cross Code.

Teach children to:

1. Find a safe place to cross.
2. Stop at the kerb.
3. Look and listen carefully for traffic.
4. Wait if vehicles are approaching.
5. Cross only when it is safe to do so.
6. Walk straight across the road without running.
7. Continue looking and listening while crossing.

Children should never assume that drivers can see them, even when they have priority.

2. Always Use Safer Crossing Points

Where available, children should use designated crossing points rather than crossing wherever is most convenient.

These include:

• Zebra crossings
• Pelican crossings
• School crossing patrols
• Traffic light-controlled crossings

Make sure your child understands:

• How pedestrian crossings work
• What the green man signal means
• Why they should never run across the road
• The dangers of crossing between parked vehicles

Before allowing your child to walk independently, walk the route together and identify the safest places to cross.

3. Be Bright and Be Seen

Visibility is especially important during autumn and winter when mornings and afternoons are darker.

Help children stand out by:

• Choosing bright-coloured coats
• Adding reflective strips to school bags
• Using reflective accessories
• Attaching small safety lights to bags or clothing

The more visible a child is, the easier it is for drivers to spot them, particularly in poor weather or low-light conditions.

4. Put Away Phones and Headphones Near Roads

Distractions can prevent children from noticing approaching vehicles and other hazards.

Teach children to:

• Avoid texting while walking
• Remove headphones near roads
• Keep music volume off or low
• Pay attention to their surroundings at all times

When crossing roads, children should focus entirely on traffic and not on mobile devices.

5. Walk Facing Traffic Where There Is No Pavement

Some rural routes may not have footpaths or pavements.

In these situations, children should:

• Walk facing oncoming traffic
• Stay as far to the right-hand side of the road as possible
• Remain alert at bends, junctions and driveways
• Step into a safe place if necessary when vehicles approach

Understanding how to position themselves safely on rural roads is an important skill for many children living outside towns and cities.

6. Walk With Friends Whenever Possible

There is safety in numbers.

Encourage children to:

• Walk with a sibling
• Travel with classmates
• Join a walking group

Walking with others can help improve visibility, increase confidence and provide support if anything unexpected happens on the journey.

7. Know the Route and Have a Plan

Before allowing your child to walk independently, make sure they know:

• Their route to and from school
• Safe places they can go if they need help
• Trusted adults they can contact
• Emergency contact numbers

Practice the route several times together until they feel confident navigating it safely.

Important Safety Reminders for Parents

Parents can play a major role in improving children’s road safety by:

• Practising road crossings together
• Teaching safe pedestrian behaviour by example
• Discussing potential hazards along the route
• Encouraging children to stay alert and aware
• Reviewing safety rules regularly

The journey to school can be an excellent opportunity for children to build independence, but preparation and education are key.

Helping Children Walk to School Safely

Walking to school offers many benefits, from improved physical health to increased confidence and independence. By teaching children essential road safety skills and helping them understand the importance of staying alert, visible and prepared, parents can help make every journey to school a safer one.

Together, we can help keep children safe on Northern Ireland’s roads and encourage good road safety habits that will last a lifetime.