McCarthny said it was important for parents to help keep life as normal for the children, while keeping mindful of safety.
He urged parents to encourage them to keep walking to school.
Child protection consultant Alan McGlade said parents needed to be made aware of the dangers and make it as safe for children where possible.
"It's a good idea for children to walk to school with friends, as opposed to being on their own. They also need to know safe places they could go on their walking routes, like neighbours, friends or local businesses such as libraries, dairies, cafes and so on," said McGlade.
He said younger children needed to be educated about who was picking them up from school and how any changes in arrangements would be communicated to the school and the children themselves,
Discussion around "stranger danger" remained relevant, he said.