Falls Prevention for Children 5 to 9 years

Falls can cause severe injuries for children

Falls are:

The main cause of injuries treated in hospital.
The second leading cause of head injuries and a common cause of broken arms and legs.

Children 5–9 years of age are more likely to need hospital treatment when they fall from:

Children of all ages are more severely injured if they fall from a height of 1 ½ metres (5 feet) or more.

Kids are unpredictable.
Injuries don't have to be.

Learn how injuries can occur as children grow

Kids are curious, active and imaginative.
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.

Children 5–9 years old are more frequently injured at a playground than at any other age.

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 and balcony railings.
Install safety devices on windows and balcony doors so they only open 10 centimetres (4 inches). To learn more about window safety latches and by-laws, call the City of Toronto at 3-1-1 and ask for Municipal Licencing and Standards, or visit 3-1-1 (http://www.toronto.ca/311/).
Maintain your outdoor home play equipment such as climbers, swings, forts and trampolines.

To report unsafe road and sidewalk conditions call the City of Toronto at 3-1-1, or visit 3-1-1 (http://www.toronto.ca/311/).
To report broken street lights contact Toronto Hydro Street Lighting Service at 416-542-3195 or visit Toronto Hydro (http://www.torontohydro.com/).

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, or when there is a change in routine or environment such as school vacations.
Stand by children when they are learning to ride a bicycle, in-line skate, or when they climb on playground equipment.
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.
Consider lessons for your child, or seek assistance from others if you are unfamiliar with a sport.
Provide healthy snacks and a short "down time" to help children move more safely from one activity to another.

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.

Some examples of safety rules for your family:

Wear good fitting running shoes to reduce the chance of a slip, trip or tumble.
Wear a helmet and the proper safety gear for bicycling and other wheeled sports every time.
Never climb or jump on beds, chairs, sofas, or kitchen cupboards.
Play with friends in a room where adults can see children.
Walk up and down stairs using handrails.

Produced in partnership with York Region Community and Health Services Department.

Last updated on August 2011