Return to school reminders for safety, wellbeing

PARENTS and students are being urged to adjust to school life in 2025 by looking out for student physical safety and mental health. RACV said with more than one million students enrolling in Victorian schools this year, the return to the classroom was an important reminder for all road users and not just parents and carers to understand the road rules around schools and be alert for children when driving in those zones. According to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), around seven children aged under 15 die each year on Victorian roads. Between 2014 and 2024, 32 children in regional areas lost their lives on Victorian roads. About two thirds of them occurred during school commuting hours. RACV general manager of mobility Julia Hunter said everyone needed to do their part to make school zones safe. “School zones are crucial areas where road safety must always be top of mind," Ms Hunter said. “Children are at risk around roads because they are less visible and have a reduced ability to judge time, speed, and distance." The injury prevention organisation Kidsafe Victoria has also called for prioritising child safety on roads. The warning comes after a horror end to the 2024 school year when a car crashed through a fence into the playground of Auburn South Primary School in October, killing an 11-year-old boy and injuring four other children. The following month, a truck crashed into the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek which lead to the death of the school's speech pathologist. Kidsafe Victoria CEO Sarah Sexton said that during the busy time of returning to school it was easy for safety to 'slip through the cracks'. “By staying alert and taking small steps to improve safety at home, in the car and on the road, we can all help protect our kids and make the school commute safer for everyone,” Ms Sexton said. “School zones are busy places, with children crossing roads, getting out of cars and sometimes rushing in their excitement to get to class. “We urge drivers to slow down, stay vigilant and be prepared for the unexpected.” National youth mental health organisation Headspace has also warned families to continue to check in on their young people’s mental health in the face of study, work and relationship pressures as students return to school, by making time to chat to their young person during this period. Headspace said families needed to be on alert for the 'big three' negative influences on young people's mental health and wellbeing. New findings from the first-ever National Family Mental Health Survey released on Wednesday reveal the key issues Australian families believe are most impacting young people are social media (52% of respondents), online bullying (28%), and body image (26%). The survey also found young people were regularly having mental health chats with family members, including on how to cope with stress (62%) and school or work (59%). The most preferred place for families to have conversations was in the car (48%). Headspace’s national clinical advisor Deb Mountjoy said families were an important source of support, particularly at the start of a new school or work year, including for children transitioning from primary to secondary school. “The start of a new year can be really exciting, however it’s also a time of change, so some young people can also feel nervous, uncertain or unsure about what the year will hold," Ms Mountjoy said. “Facing the challenge of a different environment and routine, making new friends and managing school work can also bring uncertainty. “While it’s normal to have a range of emotions during this time of change and transition, it can be helpful to reach out for support." Support for young people aged 12 to 25 is available by calling 1800 650 890 between 9:00am–1:00am (AEST). Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available 24/7. More information on road safety around schools can be found at racv.com.au, and the Safe School Run guide can be downloaded at www.kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/