Back-to-school means a lot more than sharpened #2 pencils and flashy new school supplies. That is why Attorney General Jeff Landry has created a handy list of "Back-to-School Safety Tips" for parents and guardians eager to ensure the well-being of their children as we begin a new school year.

“Louisiana’s children are our State’s greatest resource,” said Attorney General Landry. “Ensuring their safety is something we should all strive to achieve.”

Attorney General Landry offers the following safety tips:

• Do not overshare online. Avoid posting students' biometrics (age, weight, height, etc.), their personal interests, and their teachers' names. Also be sure photos do not show house numbers or street signs.
• Drive safely. Obey speed limits and other traffic laws like not changing lanes, passing, or making U-turns in school zones. Do not text while driving. Stop at least 30 feet behind a loading or unloading school bus and adhere to its flashing lights and stop signs.
• Walk safely. Teach students the basics of pedestrian safety: look both ways before crossing a street, listen to crossing guards, and never run blindly into the road.
• Know the drill. Review school emergency plan with your children. Students should learn not only how to react in an emergency, but also how to communicate with first responders in those situations.
• Stay healthy. Students should not only eat healthy snacks and practice basic hygiene, like hand washing; but they also should report if something at school seems wrong or if someone is making them uncomfortable.
• Stay up to date. Give a list of emergency contacts to the school and any afterschool programs. Make sure students know exactly how they are getting home. Confirm they have memorized the best phone number to call you in case of an emergency.
• Know the teachers. Be familiar with those responsible for your child during school hours and make sure the school performs background checks on its educators. Maintain the contact information for the teachers in case of an emergency.