Wisconsin Injury Prevention Program
Childhood Injuries from Falls
Normal growth and development places children at increased risk for
injury. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury among
children. Falls due to household hazards are most common among young
children (0-4 years), while children ages 5-9 are more likely to sustain
falls on the playground, and older children suffer from bike and
sports-related falls. Head injuries are more common for children
experiencing falls, and the resulting trauma to the rapidly developing
brain can cause life-long disability.
Growing children have less coordination, slower reaction times,
less accuracy than adults, and are less able to assess the risk of
activities to themselves. Guidance provided to parents about how a child's
natural curiosity, impulsiveness, developing motor skills, and decreased
ability to anticipate outcomes can play an important role in helping them
to identify hazard's in their child's environment. Parent injury-related
education should begin before birth, and age-appropriate information
provided at all health care visits. Access to hazards such as open windows
and stairs should be blocked, and clutter removed so the child has clear
spaces to learn walking and to play safely. Providing properly fitting
protective gear, such as helmets, when playing sports or other
recreational activity is important. Adult supervision can be the most
important factor in protecting children from injury. For more information
on childhood injury, visit The National
Safe Kids Campaign. (exit DHS).
Last Updated: June 24, 2011 |
