It’s that time of year again—fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and brand-new backpacks hitting the hallways. But as exciting as back-to-school season is, safety should always come first. At Defense in Heels, we believe confidence and awareness are just as important as school supplies. That’s why I’m sharing age-appropriate safety tips to help your kids—whether they’re in elementary, middle, high school, or college—stay alert and protected.

👉 Make sure you follow me on social media @defenseinheels for more self-defense and safety strategies for the whole family!


👶 Elementary School Safety Tips

At this age, it’s all about building awareness in a way that’s easy to understand and remember.

  1. Use the Buddy System – Whether walking to class, going to the restroom, or lining up after recess, encourage your child to stay with a friend or group. There’s safety in numbers.

  2. Know Their Safe Adults – Teach your child who is safe to go to if they ever feel uncomfortable or lost—like a teacher, crossing guard, or school office staff. Remind them never to leave school grounds with anyone unless you’ve given permission.


👧 Middle School Safety Tips

Middle schoolers are testing independence, but they still need clear boundaries and reminders about safety.

  1. Be Phone Smart – Teach them not to share their location or personal details on social media. If they walk home, let them text or call you when they arrive safely.

  2. Trust Your Gut – If something doesn’t feel right (like a stranger approaching or a peer pressuring them), they should listen to that inner warning and get away fast.


👩‍🎓 High School Safety Tips

Older teens may feel invincible, but this is when risky situations can show up the most—whether it’s walking to the car after practice or hanging out with friends.

  1. Stay Aware, Not Distracted – No earbuds blasting music or scrolling TikTok when walking through the parking lot or on the way to the bus. Heads up, eyes open, phone down.

  2. Have a Check-In Plan – Encourage your teen to let you or a trusted friend know where they are and when they’ll be home. A quick text can make a big difference in an emergency.


🎓 College Student Safety Tips

College is an exciting time filled with independence—but that freedom also comes with responsibility.

  1. Know Your Exits – Whether you’re at a party, library, or campus building, always know where the exits are in case you need to leave quickly.

  2. Use Campus Resources – Most colleges have blue light emergency phones, campus escorts, and security apps—teach your student to use them, not ignore them.


🎒 Back-to-school means new beginnings, but it should also mean safe beginnings. Talk about these tips with your kids and keep the conversation ongoing.

And don’t forget—follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @defenseinheels for more safety tips, self-defense advice, and empowering tools to protect yourself and your family.