As the back-to-school season approaches, families in Fort Bend County are preparing for a new academic year. Local law enforcement is reminding parents to prioritize their children’s safety, particularly when sharing information online.
Essential Safety Tips for Parents
Patrick Quincy, the Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Constable, has issued a warning regarding the potential risks of revealing personal details in back-to-school photos. He emphasizes that parents should avoid disclosing information such as school names, homeroom teachers, and visible house numbers to protect their children’s privacy online.
“What we don’t want to do is give strangers a road map to our children,” Quincy stated. He advises parents to keep first-day photos as generic as possible. Safe details to share might include a child’s favorite color, food, or career aspirations, while sensitive information such as full names, grade levels, and school names should be omitted from these public posts.
Additionally, parents are encouraged to review the background of any photos or videos before sharing them online, ensuring that identifiable elements like house numbers, street signs, or school logos are not visible.
Concerns Over E-Motorcycles
Another significant issue highlighted by law enforcement is the increasing presence of electric motorcycles and bikes among students. Quincy has noted the difference between standard electric bicycles and e-motorcycles, stating that his office is collaborating with local school districts to address their use in school zones.
“Do not allow your children to ride those e-motorcycles to school,” Quincy warned, stressing the dangers associated with these vehicles. Discussions are ongoing with school districts to potentially ban their use on campuses due to safety concerns.
Safety in School Zones and Bus Stops
With the return of school zones, officials remind drivers to reduce speed and refrain from using mobile devices while driving. Texas law prohibits the use of handheld wireless devices in active school zones, and there are severe penalties for passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended.
To ensure student safety while walking or waiting at bus stops, Quincy provides several tips for parents:
- Keep Earbuds Out: Encourage children to stay aware of their surroundings.
- Use the Buddy System: Students should wait at bus stops in groups to enhance safety.
- Establish a Pick-Up Plan: Make sure children know who will pick them up and instruct them not to leave with anyone unfamiliar, even if they claim plans have changed.
- Maintain Parental Presence: Having a parent present at bus stops can significantly deter potential crime.
“It’s about awareness,” Quincy said. “The more information you can provide your children and the more you have a plan set in place, the better it is for everybody.”
