Parents and caregivers play a vital role in keeping their children safe during these transitions. As your child starts high school, they will naturally seek more independence. This may involve navigating unfamiliar roads, using different modes of transportation, covering longer distances, and, for some, traveling alone for the first time. These new challenges also mean making safe decisions and understanding rights and responsibilities as a safe road user.

Here are some steps to help your child understand how to travel safely and reassure yourself about their well-being.

Talk to Your Child

Start by having a conversation about what “independence” means to both of you. Independence can involve:

• taking responsibility for personal safety and being aware of their surroundings
• waiting for the right time to catch public transport and avoiding rushed decisions
• removing earplugs and putting away phones when crossing the road
• practicing how to use a timetable and public transport effectively.

Plan and practice travel routes

Plan possible travel routes and explore them together. Choose a preferred route and one or two alternatives. Conduct practice runs to identify and address potential safety issues. When planning routes:

• avoid heavy traffic areas if possible
• identify safe crossing points
• always look for vehicles before stepping onto roads
• use crossings and footpaths when available
• walk facing oncoming traffic if no footpath is available and stay as far from the road as possible
• be cautious of vehicles entering or leaving driveways and cars reversing in parking lots.

Identify solutions together

With increased independence comes the need to handle unexpected situations. Discuss and practice strategies for:

• handling issues such as rain, running late, missing public transport, losing a travel pass, or feeling unsafe
• being assertive if pressured to act unsafely

For example:

• "I’m not going to do that. If my parents found out, I'd be grounded."
• “I saved for six months to buy these AirPods, so I’ll keep them in my bag to avoid losing them.”
• “Sorry, I can’t hang out today—I have an orthodontist appointment at 4:00 pm. See you tomorrow.”

By preparing your child with these conversations and practices, you can help them navigate their new journey with confidence and safety.

Other information

• Starting high school safely (PDF 823 KB)
• Information for travelling independently