Promoting personal safety and injury prevention in schools

Unintentional injuries remain a leading cause of hospitalization and death among school-aged children. Intentional injuries, including self-injury and suicide, are also significant concerns for youth. Schools play an important role in injury prevention.

Children and youth may not fully recognize risks due to their stage of development. By creating safer environments, teaching safety skills, and reinforcing clear expectations, educators can help reduce injuries and support healthy decision-making.

Whole School Approaches

Support a safe and healthy school environment by incorporating the following into your school health and well-being action plan:

Policy Creation:

• Follow Ontario Ministry of Education and School Board policies and procedures related to safety and injury prevention.
• Public health supports are also available to help inform the development and  implementation of local school board or school policies.
• Share information about school safety policies through newsletters, school messenger, and social media. 
• Communicate reporting processes for staff, students, parents or volunteers to follow if they have safety concerns or if an injury occurs.

Safe Physical and Social Environments

• Maintain clean, safe and accessible school buildings, grounds and equipment.
• Provide instruction and training on how to properly use safety equipment in the classroom, during play and in sport.
• Inspect equipment regularly and repair or remove damaged equipment promptly.
• Establish safe pick-up and drop-off procedures to reduce traffic congestion around the school.
• Foster respect and inclusion for students of all backgrounds, identities and abilities.
• Create safe spaces where students can go to regulate emotions or access support, when needed.
• Increase supervision in areas where students report feeling unsafe.

Teaching and Learning

Using credible, curriculum-aligned resources helps students build knowledge and skills for safety and injury prevention.

Examples include:

• Ophea Teaching Tools – Grades 1-12. Curriculum-aligned lesson plans and activities. 
• Ontario Road Safety Resource – Kindergarten to Grade 12. Lesson plans and engagement tools developed with the Ministry of Transportation and Ophea.
• Parachute Canada Safety Programs – Includes Brain Day, helmet safety, railway and sport safety.
• The High Way Home – Interactive learning on drug-impaired driving for youth.
• Swim to Survive program (Gr. 3). Water safety skill development.

Student Engagement 

Engage students by:

• Involving them in awareness-raising initiatives such as National Bullying Prevention Month, Pink Shirt Day, Rowan’s Law Day, or Safe Kids Week.
• Supporting peer-to-peer learning on topics such as bullying, road safety and concussions. 
• Offering peer mentorship opportunities to build connection and belonging.

Parent and Family Engagement

Support families by:

• Involving them in safety planning and school events.
• Communicating regularly about school safety initiatives and/or what students are learning in the classroom.
• Encouraging role modelling at home (e.g., helmet use, safe driving behaviours, respectful relationships).
• Helping them to access information and resources available through your school board, school or community.

Additional Resources 

• SMDHU Health Stats
• Ophea Safety Guidelines
• Parachute Canada: Concussion Resources
• Parachute Canada: Cycling Skills 
• Young Cyclist's Guide (Elementary) and Cycling Skills (Secondary) 

Contact Us 

For more information or support, contact your local School Health public health nurse. You can also contact the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or complete our secure online Request for Service Form

Updated: September 21, 2026