Thousands of primary school children across Western Australia will lace up their shoes and take part in National Walk Safely to School Day this Friday, promoting healthier and safer journeys to and from school.
Annual Initiative Promotes Active Travel
Now in its 27th year, the yearly initiative led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia encourages families to swap the car ride for walking, scooting or other forms of active travel. The campaign highlights the health, environmental and safety benefits of walking to school, while also aiming to ease traffic congestion around schools and encouraging stronger community connections.
Research has shown children who are active before school are often more focused, productive and engaged in the classroom, reinforcing the importance of including movement in everyday life.
Pedestrian Council Chief Executive's Remarks
Pedestrian Council chief executive Harold Scruby said walking to school helped build lifelong healthy habits while improving road safety and wellbeing. "Walking every day builds confidence, improves concentration and establishes healthy habits for life while making our roads safer and our air cleaner for everyone," he said.
Mr Scruby also reminded parents and carers about the importance of road safety for younger children. "Until they are 10, children must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road," he said.
Schools Encouraged to Host Healthy Breakfasts
Schools and P&Cs across WA are also being encouraged to host healthy breakfasts as part of the initiative to reinforce the importance of nutrition alongside physical activity.
Mr Scruby said the message was particularly important amid ongoing concerns around childhood obesity. "The extremely concerning childhood obesity epidemic continues to affect one in four children across Australia," he said. "Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Walking is the simplest way to achieve this — before school, during the day and afterwards."
St Michael's School in Bassendean Participates
Among many WA schools taking part is St Michael's School in Bassendean, which has embraced active transport through its involvement with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure's Your Move program.
Principal Michelle Christian said the school encouraged students and families to walk, ride or scooter to school wherever possible. "St Michael's School prides itself on encouraging families to walk, ride or scooter to school each day. Through our involvement with Your Move, an initiative of the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, we have enhanced opportunities for students and families to travel safely and sustainably," she said.
"This has included annual bike education lessons, the identification of safe walking routes along community footpaths and the installation of a bike repair station for community use. Each year, on National Walk Safely To School Day, the students, families and staff of St Michael's School gather at a local park and walk to school as a group, led by our much-loved school dog Donnelly."
"National Walk Safely To School Day provides an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the benefits of active transport, including improved physical health, enhanced family wellbeing, stronger community connections and a reduced environmental footprint."
Research on Children Walking to School
According to research in January by family connection and safety app Life360, 13 per cent of kids in Australia currently walk to school alone. More than 712,000 Australian parents have set up Life360's Place Alert for schools, which gives automatic notifications when their kids arrive to school safely. Half of parents cited personal safety concerns and 41 per cent cited traffic and road safety as the top reasons for holding their children back.
Child Psychologist's Perspective
Child and teen psychologist, teacher and author Collett Smart said a sense of freedom was an essential part of growing up. "Whether it's walking to school for the first time, taking the bus with friends, or heading out to a part-time job, every small step towards independence helps children and young people build their confidence and sense of responsibility," Ms Smart said.
"For parents, these milestones can come with understandable worry. It's important to remember that although letting go is hard, it doesn't have to mean losing connection. When used thoughtfully, location-sharing apps like Life360 can be a win-win for both parents and children. They can give families the best of both worlds — helping kids stretch their wings while reassuring parents that support is never far away."
Event Details
More information about National Walk Safely To School Day is available on the website. The event will be held on Friday, May 22.
