Are schools allowed to leave pupils unattended on a parked bus?

• A. Yes, if the bus is in a safe neighborhood.
• B. No; pupils should not be left unattended on a parked bus except in an emergency with proper supervision.
• C. Only during lunch break.
• D. Only if the bus is off.

Answer: (B)

Never leave pupils unattended on a parked bus. Even when the vehicle isn’t moving, there are real hazards inside and around the bus that can lead to injuries, belongings getting lost, or security issues. An adult who is actively supervising is needed to account for every pupil, manage doors and exits, and respond quickly if something goes wrong. The only situation where an exception might exist is an emergency, and even then there must be a clear plan and proper supervision in place so the students remain safe and monitored.

Choices that suggest it’s okay in a safe neighborhood, during lunch, or just because the bus is off don’t fit because they don’t remove the risks or provide the necessary oversight.