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Injury Prevention |
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Children need balance and coordination in order to skateboard safely. Balance develops as children grow. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 5 years of age and under should not use skateboards.
 Safety tips for parents and children
Teach children how to:
- Control speed and turn safely
- Avoid skateboarding where there are pedestrians and vehicles
Make sure children wear the safety equipment including:
- A certified skateboard helmet
- Wrist gaurds, elbow and knee pads
- Closed, slip resistant shoes
Do a safety check of their skateboard:
- Is the equipment the right size for their body and matched according to skill level?
- Help children check that the wheels are in good working order, securely tightened and free of debris/grass.
- Replace worn out wheels.
Make sure children use their skateboard safely:
- Use skateboard parks where available
- Avoid wearing headphones or using cell phones while skateboarding
- Ride on smooth, dry and paved surfaces
- Never grab onto a moving car, bike or other vehicle
- Avoid using portable hand made wooden ramps as they are dangerous
- Consider taking lessons to increase skills and knowledge
- Be a good role model - wear a helmet and safety gear when you skateboard. Children copy what adults do.
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