<p style="text-align: justify;">Going on field trips is an exhilarating way for students to learn and have fun with their fellow children, teachers, and parents; however, it can also be potentially dangerous. To this end, some schools ask parents to sign a consent form for the upcoming off campus activity. The form may include a note warning parents that the outdoor activity had inherent risk of injury.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As parents, it is only natural to feel very protective of your child; however, you must also keep in mind that a field trip can offer a new and wonderful experience for your young one. You need to set aside these fears and sign the consent form. But you also need to come up with a safety plan before you send your young one on the trip. Practicing and observing field trip safety can make your child&#8217;s school outing a breeze.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/16/21755878_2b201ba27b.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="384" /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Scout The Area In Advance</strong>:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Before letting your little one go on the actual trip, you should first check the destination. Make sure that the place is safe and appropriate for young children. You can come with teachers or with other parents. While in the area, you should inquire about possible hazards, such as chemicals, wild animals, stairs, traffic, or large bodies of water. In addition, you should check around the premises and take note of their security procedures and the visibility of security guards or police officers.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Talk To Your Child&#8217;s Teacher</strong>:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Make an appointment with his teacher and talk about the trip. You can inquire about the activities they have planned for the event and if the children will be safe. You can also get the teacher&#8217;s phone number so that you can easily get in touch with them. Remember though to avoid calling them every minute during the trip as this might distract them from keeping an eye on their students. Lastly, give your contact number as well so that they can call you in case something happens or if your child wishes to go home.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Tell Your Child To Wear His ID</strong>:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Before you let him go on his trip, you should remind him to always wear his ID and emergency card. Some schools give out a card that contains important information, such as the school address and phone number. This will keep your child from getting lost in case he wanders off and gets lost. The person who sees your child will know his name and what school he is from. Lastly, make sure that your child knows how to contact you in case he needs you.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Keep Him Safe From Bug Bites</strong>:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This may seem such a minor detail; thus, a lot of parents forget this safety tip; however, you should keep in mind that bug bites also carry certain dangers. For instance, there are certain types of mosquitoes that carry dangerous diseases, such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever. To this end, you need to protect your child from bug bites. Here are a few tips:</p>
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<li>You can apply a safe insect repellent on your child&#8217;s skin. The most effective compound are DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil.</li>
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<li>You can also use non-toxic, plant-based lemon eucalyptus oil since it is safer for your child&#8217;s sensitive skin.</li>
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<li>Remember though not to put insect repellent on your child&#8217;s face and hands as it may cause eye irritation.</li>
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<li>Do not use products that combine DEET and sunscreen. Sunscreen should be reapplied when necessary but insect repellents with DEET must only be applied once a day.</li>
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<li>Lastly, advice your child not to go near bodies of water that are stagnant and dirty because these are the most likely breeding areas of mosquitoes and flies.</li>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Remind Your Child To Stick With The Group</strong>:</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tell your child not to wander off because he might get lost. You should teach him the buddy system, which is to stick with a close friend throughout the field trip. In addition, instruct your young one to let his teacher know if his buddy wanders off or gets injured.</p>
<h5>Citations:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Peyri Herrera.&#8221;London schoolgirls&#8221;. June 14, 2005. Online Image. Flickr. Sept 22, 2013</li>
</ul>
<h5>Featured images:</h5>
<p><span class="license">License: Creative Commons</span></p>
<p><span class="source">image source</span></p>
<p>Kris Hopkins knows exactly what it feels like to let a child go on his first field trip. She listed a few tips to keep children safe while off campus. She also reminds parents to protect their children from potentially dangerous bug bites. She recommends parents to click here if ever they have bug and insect problems at home.</p>

How To Ensure Your Child’s Safety On Field Trips
