Characteristics of childhood injuries. Prevention measures
When analyzing child and school injuries, it is taken into account that each age group has its own characteristics. It is necessary to teach children proper behavior at home, on the street, in public places, and during sports activities.
There are 7 main causes of child injuries:
1. Adult carelessness – the behavior of a person who foresees that an accident may occur but mistakenly believes that it will not happen (up to 45% of all cases).
2. Adult negligence – failure to perform or improper performance of duties by a person.
3. Child indiscipline.
4. Accidents – incidents caused by factors beyond human control, or unforeseen events in which no one is to blame (e.g., lightning strike).
5. Homicides
6. Suicides
7. Other causes.
Methods of preventing child injuries depend on the child's age. In infancy, for example, constant supervision is particularly important. Of course, it is difficult to watch a child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but the younger the child, the more important it is not to lose sight of them. Childhood injuries in infancy are entirely the responsibility of the parents. An infant does not yet know what "dangerous" means, and it is impossible to explain it to them.
As the child grows, starts walking, and goes for walks with you, your task is now to protect them as much as possible from hazardous objects. At home, hide fragile and sharp objects, matches, electric heating appliances, and chemicals (cleaning products, paints, varnishes, etc.) from them. Electrical outlets should be covered with special plugs. Windows should be closed, and the child should not be allowed near the stove or other dangerous household appliances.
In addition, at this age, you need to teach the child to independently assess the degree of danger. Tell them that they can get burned by matches and irons, cut themselves with a knife, or scald themselves with boiling water.
At this age, children are quite capable of understanding reasoning, and it is better for them to learn about danger from your words than from their own experience. Just speak calmly, do not try to frighten the child.
The older the child gets, the more important explaining safety rules becomes.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely eliminate childhood injuries – alas, no one is immune to accidents. But the parents' task is to ensure their child's safety as much as possible.