Kids Returning To School This Week

The start of a new school year has arrived, and the City of Campbell River is reminding residents to take extra care with increased traffic on roadways, sidewalks, and crosswalks.

“It’s back-to-school time, which means you can expect more traffic and kids on our roads,” says Melissa Heidema, the City’s Transportation Specialist.

“Whether kids are walking, rolling, cycling, busing or being driven to school, please take the time to slow down and pay attention in school zones. We can all play a part in helping everyone get to school safely.”

Motorists and cyclists are encouraged to be watchful, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions.

Drivers need to follow the 30 kilometre per hour speed limit in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every school day, unless otherwise posted.

Parents and caregivers can help by teaching children about road safety.

It’s a good idea for parents to walk young children to school for at least the first week to ensure they follow a safe route and accompany children who are taking new routes or attending new schools.

As students get back into the classroom, changes to the way cellphones are used in schools are being rolled out across the country, and BC is no different.

All school districts now have policies in place to restrict their use at school, which will address when students can use cellphones.

Policies may differ between school districts and age groups.

The Province is also providing digital literacy training for students and parents, so they have the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe from online harms, become good digital citizens and develop healthy relationships with technology.