Some kids are lucky enough to have their high school close to home so travel to school is fairly similar to their primary school days!

But for others, high school is often further away. Some kids may need to use public transport, walk or ride further to get there.

How can parents and carers help?

Whether your child's high school is close by or a public transport away, the start of high school can bring many stressors. Here are some ideas to help them to think about their safety when travelling:

• practice travelling the school route before the start of the school year
• discuss any potential hazards and ways to deal with them
• discuss the dangers of being distracted when crossing the road or riding such as:
  • talking on a mobile phone
  • texting
  • listening to music
  • mucking around with friends and not concentrating on the traffic
• remind them to Stop, look, listen, think every time they cross the road
• leave plenty of time to get to school so there is no need to rush
• work out a backup plan for the times where there may be a problem getting to or from school, unsafe situations, wet weather or if they miss public transport
• remind them that students in NSW public schools are expected to behave safely, considerately and responsibly, including when travelling to and from school.
• model safe road use behaviours as a pedestrian, passenger and driver.