Sunny Khurma
Cheif Editor
Punjab, October 2, 2026: Parents whose children travel to school by bus have been urged to remain extra vigilant after a police officer issued a safety warning about possible attempts to mislead children and families by posing as authorised school transport staff.
The advisory asks parents not to send a child with an unfamiliar driver or in a different vehicle without first confirming the change with the school or the regular transport staff.
Particular caution has been advised if a school bus arrives much earlier than its normal time, the regular driver is absent without prior information, or an unfamiliar person claims to have been assigned temporarily.
Parents have been encouraged to pause and verify such changes rather than relying only on verbal assurances.
A simple phone call to the regular driver, school transport coordinator or school administration can help confirm whether a change in the bus or driver is genuine.
Punjab Police’s existing child-safety guidance also advises families to establish clear procedures with schools regarding who is authorised to collect or transport a child. Parents can also agree on a family password or another verification method known only to trusted adults and the child.
Schools, too, have an important role in ensuring that parents are informed in advance whenever there is a change in transport arrangements.
Transport operators should maintain updated details of drivers and attendants, while parents should know the registration number and usual appearance of the vehicle used for their child’s daily journey.
Children should also be taught a few simple safety rules. They should avoid boarding an unfamiliar vehicle, even if the person claims to be connected with their school, and should immediately contact a parent, teacher or other trusted adult if something feels unusual.
Parents have also been advised not to spread unverified kidnapping messages on social media. Recent incidents in Punjab have shown that initial kidnapping claims can sometimes turn out to be incorrect after police verification and examination of CCTV footage.
Police have repeatedly asked citizens to report genuinely suspicious activity quickly while avoiding rumours that may create unnecessary panic.
For families, the message is simple: know the regular school bus and driver, verify unexpected changes, stay in contact with the school and teach children not to leave with unfamiliar people.
A few minutes of verification at pickup time can provide an additional layer of safety without creating fear among children or parents.
For permission to reuse our original reporting or images, contact The Jalandhar Times.
