With thousands more students returning to classrooms across Melbourne tomorrow, children are being warned to be safe around trains.

The return to school of students in Grade 3 to Year 10 means more children will be moving around the network, and extra vigilance will be needed around trains.

There are more than 230 rail safety incidents involving students each year – with 43 recorded in term one alone.

The most common incidents involve mobile phone and headphone distractions, children rushing for trains, forcing open train doors, illegally crossing railway tracks, and using skateboards or scooters on platforms.

Simple actions like putting your phone away, taking your headphones out, and carrying your scooter or skateboard can make a big difference.

Metro works directly with school communities on rail safety issues, including an annual program of classroom visits to teach children how to be safe around trains.

Rail staff have been running virtual learning sessions with children on rail safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Metro engages with around 350 schools each year to promote safe travel on trains.