Whether surfing the Internet or running free in the great outdoors, children encounter a wide variety of dangers every day. It is wise to constantly be on alert for potential hazards that threaten your kids. According to keepyourchildsafe.org, in the United States, falls, allergic reactions and being hit by another person are the leading causes of trips to the emergency room for children under age 14.
Internet Safety
Your child may be sitting safely in your home while an Internet predator is luring him into danger. "Cyberbullies," pedophiles and identification thieves are some of the culprits putting children in harm on the Internet. KidsHealth warns that pedophiles frequent chat rooms where kids spend time socializing online. These strangers can seduce children and put them in serious danger, even if kids don't share personal information. Pedophiles can find kids by tricking the youngsters into calling them. They can then get access to home phone numbers through caller ID.
"Cyberbullying" is another Internet threat to kids. Stopcyberbullying.org defines the threat as a child being tormented, harassed, embarrassed, humiliated, threatened or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet. The site advises parents to take this issue very seriously. Alert your child's school administration, pediatrician or family counselor or clergy for help in handling the issue. Support your child and help her feel secure.
Playground Safety
Children need to run and play outdoors. Playing outside helps them stay physically fit, learn to socialize and test the limits of their imagination. However, if your child is playing on a playground, it is wise to always keep an eye on him. Dangers can lurk on every slide and swing.
Play equipment is not built for every child. Inspect the equipment to make sure it suits his abilities.
Play equipment located on concrete or blacktop is unsafe. KidsHealth cautions against playgrounds built on grass or soil surfaces, as the grass or soil can deteriorate over time and lose the ability to cushion a fall.
Feel the seats of swings and any metal chains supporting the swings before your child climbs on, as they can become very hot in the sun.
Bicycle Safety
A bicycle is a vehicle, not a toy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, 93 children under the age of 15 were killed while riding a bike. Thirteen thousand other children were injured on their bicycles and 62 percent of bicycle accident fatalities were caused by head injuries. Children often resist warnings to wear bike helmets. Even if a child is just riding her bike in a driveway or on a private road, riding without a helmet poses a dangerous threat. It is very important to teach the importance of bicycle safety to children.
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