With the return of children to school, police in Eastern Ontario are sending reminders to drivers and parents about how to keep children safe.

In a press release issued on Friday, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated that drivers should remember to keep their eyes on the road ahead and put away their phones while driving.

The statement noted to watch for young people walking or biking back and forth to school and be ready for those big yellow buses that stop frequently.

The yellow lights indicate that the school bus is preparing to stop, and the red lights indicate that the driver must stop.

The police say these rules should be respected to protect children's lives and avoid fines ranging from $200 to $2000 and loss of demerit points.

The statement advises, "Slow down and use extra caution when traveling through school zones. Pay attention to crossing guards and obey them; they are there to help protect children."

Meanwhile, it is the parents' responsibility to talk to their children about the rules to stay safe while riding school buses and using sidewalks and crosswalks.

While sharing information on social media has become the norm, police say that first-day photos meant to share with family and friends should be used with caution.