Did you know that injuries are the greatest threat to the life and health of your child? Injuries are the leading cause of death of school-aged children. Yet you can prevent most major injuries if you and your child take a few simple steps.
At age 10, children will do more things away from home. They will spend more time on a bike or in a car and will not see the need for adults to watch over them. You must take charge; you must remind your child of safety! It takes only a few steps to prevent major, common injuries.
Firearm Hazards
It is best to keep all guns out of your home. Handguns are especially dangerous. If you choose to keep a gun, store it unloaded and in a locked place, with the ammunition locked separately. Your child is in more danger of being shot by himself, his friends, or a family member than of being injured by an intruder.
Ask if the homes where your child visits have a gun and how it is stored. Talk with your child about guns in school or on the streets. Find out if your child’s friends carry guns.
Sports Safety
At this age your child may be playing baseball, soccer, or other sports. Ask your doctor which sports are right for his or her age. Be sure your child wears the protective equipment made for that sport, such as shin pads, mouth guards, wrist guards, eye protection, and helmets. Ask your child’s coach what is needed.
Water Safety
Now is the time to teach your child to swim. Even if your child knows how to swim, never let him or her swim alone. Teach your child how to turn upright, float, tread water, and get to safety. Do not let your child play around any water (lake, stream, pool, or ocean) unless an adult is watching. Never let your child swim in canals or any fast-moving water. The adult must be supervising closely and continuously without distractions like reading or using a phone. Teach your child to never dive into water unless an adult has checked the depth of the water. And when your child is on any boat, be sure your child is wearing a Coast Guard-certified life jacket.
And Remember Car Safety
Your child must buckle the seat belt EVERY TIME he or she rides in any car. Booster seats should be used until the lap belt can be worn low and flat on the hips and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and the shoulder rather than the face or neck (usually at about 4 feet 9 inches tall and to 12 years of age). Remind your child to buckle up when riding with others. Ask your child to remind you to buckle up too! The safest place for all children to ride is in the back seat.
Bike Safety
Your child may want to ride his or her bike farther away from home. Teach your child the “Rules of the Road” and be sure your child knows them. You must watch your child to be sure he or she can handle a bike safely. Make sure your child always wears a helmet while riding a bike. It is still very dangerous for your child to ride at dusk or after dark. Make sure your child brings in the bike as soon as the sun starts to set.
Would you be able to help your child in case of an injury? Put emergency numbers by or on your phone today. Learn first aid and CPR. Be prepared..for your child’s sake!
Disclaimer
Patient education handouts from TIPP—The Injury Prevention Program help pediatricians implement injury prevention counseling for parents of children newborn through 12 years of age.
The information in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
© 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved.