Children are very active, especially when it comes to playing, and thus are often involved in one injury or another. Common childhood incidents include minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and bruises, which are normal occurrences during childhood. However, some injuries can be avoided by being vigilant. From the house, school, and play areas, it is very important to teach children how to prevent themselves from getting injured. Here is a list of some important dos and don’ts to ensure that they do not get injured in the process.

Home Safety: Creating a Safe Indoor Environment

The home is where children spend much of their time, but it’s also where many injuries occur. These preventive steps can make your home safer:
a. Childproofing the House
For infants and toddlers, it’s important to childproof the home to prevent falls, poisoning, and burns. Here are some steps you can take:

Use safety gates to block staircases.
Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and TVs, to the wall to prevent tipping.
Place childproof locks on cabinets that contain dangerous items like cleaning supplies, medications, or sharp objects.
Keep small objects like coins, marbles, and batteries out of reach to prevent choking.
Install window guards or stops to prevent falls.

b. Preventing Burns
Children are naturally curious about their surroundings, making them more vulnerable to burns. Here’s how to minimize the risk:

Keep hot food and drinks away from the edges of tables or counters.
Use the back burners of the stove when cooking and keep pot handles turned inward.
Ensure your water heater is set to a safe temperature (around 120°F or 49°C) to prevent scalding.
Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach.

c. Avoiding Poisoning
Poisoning is a major concern, especially with the array of household cleaners and medications. To prevent this:

Store all medications, cleaners, and chemicals in locked or high-up cabinets.
Never refer to medicine as "candy" to make it more appealing to children.
Keep the number for poison control handy in case of emergencies.

Playground Safety

As fun as the playground is for children, it is also a place where children get injured, especially while at play. To minimize risk:

Supervise at all times: Parental supervision is paramount, especially when children are engaged in playtime activities.
Check playground equipment: It should be smooth and have all corners blunted; the ground beneath the structure should be rubberized or covered with wood shavings.
Teach proper use of equipment: Guide your child in the proper manner of using slides, swings, and other structures found in the play area. Do not indulge in extreme stunts such as jumping off the bridge or overcrowding the equipment.

Safety in Sports and Recreation

Although playing sports helps kids stay healthy, there is a greater chance of injury. To lessen the possibility of harm:

Put on safety gear: When playing sports, make sure your child is wearing the appropriate gear, such as mouthguards, knee pads, and helmets.
Exercise to warm up and cool down: To avoid muscle strain, ensure your child stretches and warms up before any physical activity.
Rest and hydrate: Make sure your child drinks enough water and takes regular breaks to prevent heat-related injuries or overexertion.

Bicycle and Scooter Safety

Bicycles and scooters are great toys for children, yet they often cause falls and accidents. Here’s how to reduce risk:

Always wear a helmet: Proper helmet fitting can lower the chances of a head injury by as much as 85%.
Choose the right size bike: Ensure that your child is using the correct size and type of bicycle or scooter for their age and size.
Follow road safety rules: Teach your child basic road safety tips, such as looking both ways before crossing the road, signaling, and not crossing when the light is red.