Growing Miracles: Preventing Injuries - New Schooler

As children move into the expanded world of friends and school, they won't always have you close by. New schoolers need freedom to explore to promote healthy growth and development.  They also need rules on how to stay safe, and, while they do not need as much attention as toddlers, they still need to be supervised by a responsible adult

New schoolers, like younger children, are still too young to realize all the dangers around them or how to completely protect themselves. They are starting to remember simple safety rules but when excited, they may not always follow them. Remind your child often of your safety rules and always enforce them. A situation involving safety is not a time to offer choices.

Pedestrian Safety
Children are nine years old before they have acquired the skills necessary to safely cross a street on their own.  You can help your new schooler learn these skills, but until this time make sure you (or another adult or crossing guard) are with your child when she crosses a street. Your child may no longer want to hold your hand when walking, but she needs to learn to stay close to you in traffic, when crossing roads and in parking lots.

Booster Seats
Once a child outgrows a forward-facing car seat, a booster seat is needed. Adult seat belts do not fit children properly and can cause very serious injury in a crash or sudden stop.

Children over 18 kg (40 lbs.) are safest riding in a booster seat in the backseat of your vehicle. A booster seat is recommended until your child is nine years old and weighs 36 kg (80 lbs.). Even after they no longer need a booster seat, children under 12 are safest in the back seat of a vehicle.

Know how to install and use your child's booster seat. First, read the instructions that come with your child's safety seat and the instructions in your vehicle owner's manual. Next, take the Booster Seat Yes Test (available from your community health centre). Call Health Link Alberta for more information on car seat classes offered in your community or if you have other questions.

Playground Safety
Falls on the playground are a leading cause of injury among children five to nine years old.
Help your child be safe by teaching simple safety rules:

• always wear shoes
• take turns
• keep clear of moving things. Keep all ropes away from playground equipment and fences.
• hold on with both hands when swinging or climbing. Slide down feet first, sitting up and one person at a time.
• use equipment and toys as they are meant to be used
• play fair - no pushing, shoving, or tripping

Bike Safety
Your new schooler may soon be riding a two-wheeled bike. Once she can stay upright, help her understand how to ride safely (where to ride, how to signal, brake, pass pedestrians and the rules of road safety) and that bikes and helmets always go together. Indeed, bike helmets are the law in Alberta.

Safe Kids Canada reminds parents that riding a bike safely in traffic takes a complex set of skills which develop gradually over time. Children under the age of 10 should always ride with an adult, even if they take the same route (e.g., between home and school) several times a week. Riding to and from school with your child is a great way to be active together and to teach your child the rules of the road.

Fires
Your child is taught how to respond to fires through fire drills at school. It is also a good idea for you to practice these reponses at home as a family. This way, your child can learn how to get out of the house in case of a fire. Teach your child to:

• Get low and go: crawl along the floor to stay below the smoke.
• Stop, drop, and roll if his clothes catch fire.
• Follow your family's fire plan, and safely climb out of a window.
• Have smoke detectors in your home. Check them every month to make sure they are working.

Internet Safety
If your child is starting to use the Internet, monitor and guide her "surfing". This sets the tone for increased and more adventurous exploration during the years ahead. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that parents do not put computers, TV's, or video games that are connected to the Internet in a child's bedroom. Keep these devices in areas where everyone has access.

Healthy Outdoor Play
Being outside is good for your child; being in direct sunlight isn't. Use sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Put sunscreen on before your child leaves for school, and make sure he has extra in his backpack if going on a field trip. A wide-brimmed hat will shade the face and neck. Keep one in your child's backpack so he has one to wear at recess.
Whether at home or school, encourage your child to play in the shade, staying out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Try to stay indoors from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, when the sun's rays are the strongest.

Regular Check-Ups
Continue to guard your child's health with regular check-ups and routine vaccinations.