A Step Ahead to Prevent Childhood Injuries
Kids are curious, active and imaginative. They often take chances which can result in an injury. Injuries are a main cause of death and hospital visits for children.
While injuries are a danger to children, parents and caregivers can stay a step ahead.
Kids are unpredictable.
Injuries don't have to be.
Learn how injuries can occur as children grow
Children learn and develop new skills every day.
Between 5–9 years of age they:
- Like to be the biggest, fastest and best!
- Enjoy jumping, balancing and climbing.
- Think they can do more than they are able to do, especially boys, who are injured more often than girls.
- May not see danger in what they are doing.
- May forget the safety rules, especially when excited.
- May be influenced by older children to try new things and use equipment in ways that can be dangerous.
- Cannot judge the speed and distance of cars and will always need to be watched when they are crossing or playing near the road.
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Are commonly treated in hospital as a result of falling from:
- Playground equipment,
- A bicycle, skateboard, or in-line skates,
- A bed or other furniture in the home.
Create safer places for children
- Fix loose carpeting on stairs, tighten loose railings and replace broken floor tiles.
- Keep stairs and hallways clear.
- Place beds and furniture away from the windows.
- Install safety devices on all windows and balcony doors so they only open 10 centimetres (4 inches).
- Find a safe place away from traffic where children can bicycle, scooter, in-line skate or skateboard.
- Check the playground and ground surface before children play. Report any damage to your local parks and recreation department or school.
Watch children closely
Parents and Caregivers:
- Know where your children are playing at all times and that they are being watched.
- Never leave a child unattended on or near a balcony or fire escape.
- Increase your supervision when other children are playing at your home.
- Practise crossing the road safely with children every time.
- Work with other parents and caregivers to make sure children can play safely.
- Stand by children when they are learning something new or climbing on playground equipment.
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Help children use recreation equipment safely:
- Kids need to wear the proper helmet correctly every time they bike, skateboard, scooter, in-line skate, ski, skate, toboggan, play hockey or wear shoes with wheels.
- Wrist and mouth guards, and knee and elbow pads are recommended for many activities and sports.
- Stay within arm's reach when children are playing in or near the water. A drowning child will not call for help.
Create and follow family safety rules
- Involve children in making family safety rules and help them understand why they are important.
- Make sure children follow the safety rules every time, every day.
- Tell children that you like it when they are playing safely.
- Follow the safety rules yourself. Children learn by watching adults.
Produced in partnership with York Region Community and Health Services Department.
Last updated on August 2011
