Is your child starting to be old enough to go to school alone? Here is what the Road Safety Association strongly advises parents against.
The start of the school year is an opportunity for some children to become more independent. Generally, when they start secondary school, around the age of 11, the question of letting your child go to school alone arises. But it all depends on the age and maturity of the child. They must be able to anticipate situations and ensure their own safety. In all cases, preparation in advance is necessary to get them used to this change and make them aware of the risks so that they can make their way safely.
Furthermore, if your child seems to have mastered the road safety rules, for example when crossing the street, and has perfectly understood the journey between school and home, do not give him more responsibility. Indeed, if you have other children, here is what you should avoid asking of the eldest.
In fact, the Road Safety Association advises parents not to ask the older brother or sister to take or bring back the younger brother or sister with them after school, for reasons of convenience.At 10-12 years old, a child is not yet mature enough to take on the responsibility of accompanying a younger child every day. He already has to worry about his own safety and it would be difficult for him to manage at the same time that of a little one, possibly unruly, or less obedient than with his parents”explains the organization.
It is therefore recommended to accompany younger children and not to leave this heavy responsibility to your child. And remember that until the age of about 7, a child is not able to see what is happening on the sides. He is also not very visible, due to his small size, to motorists. Younger children also have difficulty judging distances and determining where the noises they hear are coming from. So many reflexes to acquire over the years…