What is a good plan when incidents happen on the walk to and from school? 

Parenting Perspective 

When your child’s journey to or from school is marred by unpleasant incidents such as teasing, name-calling, or harassment, it can feel especially unsettling. These events often happen beyond the school grounds, in a space where supervision is limited. The right plan must balance practical safety measures, emotional reassurance, and consistent communication with the school to ensure your child remains protected and confident. 

Listen Calmly and Offer Reassurance 

You must begin by listening to your child’s account without rushing to correct or investigate. Ask gentle, open questions: 

• ‘Can you tell me exactly what happened?’ 

• ‘Who was there?’ 

• ‘How did it make you feel?’ 

Your calm presence tells your child that you believe them and that you can handle the situation together. You can then reassure them by saying, ‘You did the right thing by telling me. We will work out a way to keep you safe.’ This immediately transforms the experience from one of isolation to one of supported protection. 

Map the Journey and Identify Patterns 

Ask your child to show you where the incidents usually occur, whether it is near certain shops, alleyways, or crossings. You can even walk the route together to observe the environment. 

It is a good idea to document what you learn, including: 

• The time of day. 

• The specific location. 

• The people involved. 

These details will be very useful when you report the incidents. 

Teach Safe and Confident Responses 

It is important to empower your child with clear, simple actions rather than with fear. 

• Stay visible: Encourage them to walk where others can see them, not through isolated shortcuts. 

• Walk with company: A sibling, a friend, or a group can provide a sense of safety. 

• Avoid confrontation: They should not answer back or engage, but simply move toward safety. 

• Seek help quickly: If they feel threatened, they should go to a known adult nearby, such as a shopkeeper or a neighbour. 

You can practise short, calm responses that they can use if approached, such as, ‘Please stop,’ followed by walking away. Rehearsing these scripts can help to reduce panic if a real situation arises. 

Notify the School Promptly 

Even if an incident happens off-site, the school must be made aware. You can phrase your communication in a collaborative way: ‘I wanted to let you know that my child has had some upsetting experiences on the way to school. I understand it is off school grounds, but I would appreciate your advice on how we can handle it together.’ This approach invites partnership rather than blame. The school may be able to alert staff on duty near the exits or adjust release timings. 

Connect with Other Parents and the Community 

If the issue involves peers from the same school, you could discreetly speak with other parents you trust to see if this is a wider problem. If the route has few adults around, you could also suggest the possibility of parent patrols or walking groups to the school. If incidents persist, you might ask the school whether local community police or safety wardens can monitor the area. Such calm, constructive suggestions demonstrate a sense of responsibility, not just alarm. 

Keep Emotional Recovery in View 

Even after the issue has been resolved, your child may still feel anxious about the walk to school. You can help them to rebuild their confidence in small steps, perhaps by walking part of the way with them for a few days. When they return home, it is better to ask, ‘How was the walk today?’ rather than questioning them about specific incidents. This helps them to feel seen, not examined. Each calm check-in reinforces their sense of safety and trust. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, the protection of the innocent and the pursuit of safety are sacred duties. When you take measured steps to secure your child’s wellbeing, you are not only parenting wisely, but also fulfilling your amanah, the divine trust of guardianship. Allah Almighty commands us to be vigilant, yet also gentle, ensuring we neither ignore harm nor react with hostility. 

Trust and Responsibility in the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anfaal (8), Verse 27: 

‘O you who are believers, do not ever be pretentious (in following the commandment) of Allah (Almighty) and His Prophet (Muhammad ﷺ); and do not misappropriate what has been entrusted upon you, whilst you know (the consequences of such actions).’ 

This reminds us that caring for those under our protection, which includes ensuring their physical and emotional safety, is a part of fulfilling our divine trust. Taking practical, calm measures to protect your child on their journey to school is therefore a sacred act of faithfulness. 

Neighbourly Protection in the Sunnah 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 45, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.’ 

This teaches that community safety and mutual protection are the responsibility of all. Working with teachers, neighbours, and other parents to keep children safe on their routes to and from school is an embodiment of this prophetic ethic of shared care and concern. 

When incidents occur outside the school gates, your calm persistence is your strongest shield. You are modelling to your child that safety is built through wisdom, community, and faith, not through fear. Each step of listening, documenting, and partnering with others becomes a quiet act of protection and a prayer in motion. 

As your child learns that they are never alone on their walk, they also learn something deeper: that the strength of a believer lies not in trying to control others, but in a firm trust in Allah Almighty, paired with courage, kindness, and calm, responsible action.