Practical road safety guidance for children of all ages, from holding hands to independent travel.
Road traffic accidents remain a significant cause of injury and death among children in the UK. Teaching road awareness from an early age, progressing to supervised practice and eventually independent travel, gives children the skills they need to stay safe.
Young children lack the peripheral vision, depth perception, and judgement to assess traffic independently. Skills develop with age and practice. Distraction — particularly from phones — is an increasing risk for older children and teenagers.
1. Model and teach the Green Cross Code
Practise Stop, Look, Listen, Think every time you cross a road together. Children learn most effectively from consistent real-world practice rather than instructions alone.
2. Gradually build independence
Start by walking routes together, then progress to letting your child lead while you supervise. Only allow fully independent travel when they have demonstrated consistent awareness and judgement.
3. Discuss phone and headphone distraction
Explain that using a phone or wearing headphones while crossing roads or cycling significantly increases risk. Agree on a 'phones away near roads' rule.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-19