When it comes to keeping your kids safe, the Minnesota Department of Corrections recommends a combination of action and prevention. Younger kids will require more help to stay safe, while older children need to learn how to protect themselves. Building self-esteem is essential to staying safe. Kids who are afraid or lack confident are more prone to being hurt.
Home Safety
Home can be a dangerous place for children, and parents need to take precautions to keep their kids safe. According to the Safe Kids Organization, over 2,000 kids die as a result of an injury suffered at home. Accidents occur as a result of drowning, choking, falls, poisoning and suffocation.
To protect your children, take a walk around the house and change or get rid of anything that might be a safety hazard. Make sure children are using age-appropriate toys to avoid the risk of them swallowing or choking on small pieces. Household cleaners such as oven cleaners and bleach can be highly poisonous. Install child safety locks in any cupboard or cabinet holding dangerous products, and choose child-resistant packages if possible.
Outdoor Safety
The Safe Kids Organization recommends paying special attention to two areas: playground safety and safety in sports and recreational activities. When visiting a playground, the ground surface consists of sand, wood chips or rubber mats, so children are not injured if they fall off or trip. Asphalt and dirt do not absorb shock and can be dangerous. Before you let your kids climb on the equipment, inspect the area to make sure the equipment is in good condition and seems sound. Look for pieces of glass or protruding corners or bolts that can cause injury. Remove lose clothing like drawstrings or scarves before your child uses a climbing surface or the slide, to lower the risk of him getting caught.
Sprains and strains, bone injuries and heat-related problems are some of the most common sport-related injuries in children, according to the Safe Kids Organization. To prevent problems, make sure your kids wear the appropriate protection gear for the sport they’re playing. Helmets, knee and elbow pads and eye protection should be used if there’s risk of injury. If you plan on enrolling your child in a sport program, find out who the coaches are certified in CPR and First Aid and can safely train your child.
Internet Safety
Young children should be monitored through safeguarding programs or filters installed in your computer. This will prevent kids from accessing dangerous or inappropriate sites. Teach children that they shouldn’t enter any personal information into online forms and never to give personal information such as their real name or address to strangers. If your child uses the computer for homework, make sure you stay around and are able to check the websites he visits.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, it’s important that you talk to your children about online safety, explaining the dangers in terms they can understand. Children should be confident that they can talk to you if they see something upsetting online. Don’t judge them or reprimand them when they come to you for advice, or you might push them away and put them at more risk.
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