Last Updated on August 12, 2026 3:57 pm
Sheriff Len D. Hagaman of Watauga County hopes this school year gets off to a great start! Many parents may be nervous going into the school year, especially if their little one is attending school for the very first time. To help ease their minds, the Sheriff's Office has some practical tips and skills that parents can share with their kids before they start the school year.
Before they head off to campus, parents should check the location sharing settings on their children’s electronic devices to make sure that their location is not being shared with any unwanted applications or individuals. This is also a great time to remind students of the dangers of sharing personal information on social media or other platforms. It is important to teach young people that sharing certain information, especially their location, may put them and their classmates at risk.
Take some time to give the following tips to your children before they head off to school for the academic year:
Before starting school, young children should:
o Know the phone number of a parent or guardian
o Know how to reach their parent or guardian at work
o Know their home address
o Know how to dial 911 in an emergency
If your child walks to school, make sure they:
o Walk with a buddy
o Stay on sidewalks
o Obey traffic signals and stay in designated crosswalks
If your teenager is driving to school, make sure they:
o Wear their seatbelt
o Never use their cell phone while driving
o Have up to date insurance and registration information in their vehicle
Children should try to avoid engaging with strangers, and follow these guidelines:
o Never talk to strangers
o Never accept a ride from someone you do not know
o Establish a family code word. If someone claims to know your family but does not know the code, leave the situation immediately.
Taking the time to educate children about these situations can help ensure their safety throughout the school year and into the future. On behalf of Sheriff Hagaman and the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, have a fun and safe school year!
