Students across Carlsbad will be heading back to school in the next few weeks and the City of Carlsbad wants it to be a safe and successful year for everyone. From safety tips to homework help, here’s what you need to know to get the school year off to a great start.

Safe walking and driving

• Remember to model safe driving habits, including slowing to 25 miles per hour in a school zone and removing distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Pay basic safety rules like always using seat belts, always crossing at a crosswalk and watching out for school buses.
• Teach children how to cross the street safely at corners and in crosswalks and follow safe pedestrian and biking rules.
• Take an active role in helping teens learn to drive responsibly. Remind them they’re not allowed to have passengers in their first year of driving and that texting and talking on the phone while driving is illegal.

  See the full list of safe walking and driving reminders.

Bicycle and e-bike safety

• Bicyclists and e-bike riders are subject to all the same rules of the road as motorists, including stopping at all red lights and stop signs. (Those who don’t follow the rules are subject to ticketing and fines.)
• Riders 17 years and under must wear a helmet.
• Sidewalks and crosswalks are meant for pedestrians. Riders must dismount and walk their e-bike in these areas and must stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.
• It is illegal to carry passengers on an e-bike unless the bike has an extra permanent seat or when using a child safety seat.

See the full list of bicycle safety tips.

Online safety

• Set ground rules for what your children do online, including sites they can visit and apps they can use.
• Establish blackout periods that require disconnection.
• Understand a device’s capabilities and use safeguard like monitoring software
• Teach your child how to spot online offenders.
• Learn to spot red flags in your child’s behavior, like spending increasing time online and concealing what they’re doing.
• Talk your child about protecting themselves and respecting others.

See the full list of online safety tips.

Homework help and resources

• The Carlsbad City Library has a wide range of services and e-resources for students who need help with homework assignments.
• Get personalized reading recommendations for youth and teens.
• Email libraryteens@carlsbadca.gov for hands-on assistance.
• Reserve a study room at any of the library’s three branches to work on reports or group projects. Each room has a table, chairs and a whiteboard, and some have 42-inch monitors with access cables and computers.
• The Exploration HUB at the Dove Library offers state-of-the-art digital equipment for teens 13+ including 3D printing, scanners, Silhouette Cameo Cutter and other software. You need a library card to book a slot.
• The Friends Bookstores at the Dove and Cole Libraries are holding their annual Back-to-School Sale through Aug. 29. All children's materials and teacher resources will be offered on a buy one, get one free basis.

 See our full list of library services.