School start: Safety and anxiety concerns rise for students

As the new school year begins, organizations in Norway and Denmark are addressing safety and well-being concerns for students.

In Norway, Trygg Trafikk reports that over 600,000 children are returning to school, including nearly 60,000 six-year-olds starting for the first time. The organization warns that increased traffic, often caused by parental driving during drop-offs and pick-ups, is creating unsafe conditions around schools. To mitigate this, Trygg Trafikk suggests implementing "heart zones" (hjertesoner)—areas around schools with limited traffic and designated drop-off points—and encourages parents to walk or cycle with their children to improve road safety literacy.

In Denmark, Børns Vilkår reports an increase in anxiety among children as the school year approaches. Through counseling lines such as BørneTelefonen, children have expressed significant distress regarding the transition back to school. The organization advises parents to take their children's concerns seriously and to allow for extra rest and patience as they adjust to daily routines.