As students return to school all over the country, parents understandably become concerned about their children’s safety.

Not being with your children for several hours each day means you cannot oversee them and directly protect them. But there are several things you can do to help them be safer and smarter about their own safety.

1. Do not leave your children at the bus stop alone. Predators know the morning hours are ideal times to find children alone and may take advantage of this opportunity. Make sure at least one adult is waiting with children at the bus stop. Consider arranging a rotation with other trusted parents in your neighborhood.

2. Find out about the security protocol at your child’s school. Is there a robust visitor management system in place? Is there a security guard on patrol? With the number of school crimes happening, high security is critical. If your child’s school is not equipped with adequate security protocols, start a movement with your school administration to increase the level of security.

3. Does your child spend time at home alone after school? If so, this is a time when they are vulnerable. If your child walks or rides a bicycle home, make sure they come straight home and do not make unplanned stops along the way.

Once they get home, they should go directly inside and lock the doors and then open them for no one except people preapproved by you. It is also a good idea to keep the window shades drawn, and this prevents possible predators from looking in the windows.

4. Teach your child about bullying. Bullying is a very real threat with today’s youth, and the more your children are informed about its many forms and the more you talk about it with them, the more likely they will be to come to you if they detect it in their lives.