Back-to-school safety: Keep kids safe with simple tips

AlertID helps to protect children and families

Editorial by AlertID

Kids around the country are getting ready to go back to school and their safety is a top priority for parents. In addition to buying school supplies, the beginning of the school year is the perfect time for families to download AlertID, the free safety app that includes simple tips to get the school year off to a safe start.

"Back to school is a great time for families to discuss safety with their children and to identify threats at home and school," AlertID founder Keli Wilson said. "The more informed we are as parents, the safer our children and the community will be."

Parents can review these simple tips with their children before they head to school:

•On the Way to School: Map out a safe route to walk to school or to the bus stop. If possible, avoid crossing busy roads and intersections. Teach your children to pay attention to their surroundings and not use their mobile device when crossing the street. Do a trial run with your kids so that you can discuss areas to avoid along the way, such as vacant lots, construction areas and parks where there aren't many people. Encourage kids to walk with a sibling or friend, and wait at bus stops with other children.

•After-school: Talk to your children about their day. Ask your children if they see anyone bullied, if they were bullied, or if anyone may have made them feel uncomfortable. Look for warning signs of bullying, such as a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends or torn clothing. Also, keep an eye on your children's Internet use. Talk to your children about what they do online - what sites they visit, who they email and who they chat with. Encourage them to speak up if something online makes them uncomfortable, or if they witness forms of cyber-bullying such as threats or harassment.

AlertID is available online, as well as on smartphones, and helps protect families by providing information to keep kids safe. Specifically, members are able to view an interactive map displaying crimes and sex offenders currently in their selected neighborhoods.

Members can receive alerts and information for multiple locations, such as their homes, schools or offices that include law enforcement emergency alerts, crime and sex offender alerts, prevention tips and more. Additionally, the app acts as a virtual neighborhood watch where members can share photos and information regarding suspicious activity with neighbors and law enforcement.

The AlertID mobile app is available for download on iTunes or the Android market. To sign up for an AlertID account or for more information, go to www.AlertID.com.

AlertID's mission is to help people live safely by providing a secure way to receive trusted public safety alerts and share information with family members and neighbors. For more information, visit www.AlertID.com.