School-Aged
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While injuries are among the leading causes of death and hospitalization among all ages, injuries among school-aged children have more specific injury risks as the child grows. Fortunately, as with any injury risk, these are 100% preventable.
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A Brief Summary of Prevention Tips
School-aged children are more independent, but a lack of supervision and layers of protection can be a significant risk for injury. Because these are general safety tips, we urge parents and caregivers to visit Car Seat Safety and Parent Central for additional safety recommendations that prevent these specific causes. By understanding these risks and practicing prevention strategies, parents can help keep school-aged children safe and promote healthy development.
Drowning
Causes: Swimming in unpatrolled pools, lakes, or beaches without supervision; playing near water bodies; or swimming unsupervised.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Always supervise children around water, whether in pools, lakes, or bathtubs.
- Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming lessons and teach water safety skills.
- Use barriers like pool fences with self-closing gates around pools.
- Never allow children to swim alone, and ensure they wear life jackets when necessary.
Motor Vehicle Injury
Causes: Improper or inconsistent use of seat belts; riding in vehicles without proper restraints; or distracted driving.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Always ensure children wear seat belts or appropriate car seats every time they travel.
- Teach children the importance of safety restraints and model good habits.
- Avoid distractions while driving, especially when children are in the vehicle.
- Never allow children to ride in the bed of a pickup truck or unrestrained in a vehicle.
Pedestrian
Causes: Crossing streets without paying attention, running into traffic, or not using designated crosswalks.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Teach children to always look both ways before crossing the street and to use crosswalks or pedestrian signals.
- Supervise children near busy roads and remind them to stay alert.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and avoid crossing between parked cars.
- Encourage walking in groups and following safe pedestrian routes.
Suffocation
Causes: Playing with plastic bags, balloons, or small objects; sleeping in unsafe environments; or accidental covering of the face.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Keep small objects, plastic bags, and balloons out of reach.
- Ensure children sleep on safe, firm surfaces and avoid soft bedding or pillows.
- Educate children on safe play and avoid letting them put non-food items in their mouths.
- Supervise children during playtime and rest periods.
Homicide
Causes: Violence from peers, family conflicts, bullying, or exposure to dangerous environments.
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
- Foster open communication and trust so children feel safe sharing concerns.
- Teach children about boundaries, respect, and how to seek help if they feel threatened.
- Monitor peer interactions and address bullying or aggressive behavior promptly.
- Be aware of the child's environment and limit exposure to unsafe or violent situations.
