Support the OCF in their campaign to raise funds for childhood cancer research.
National Kidsafe Day on October 26 aims to increase community awareness of how to prevent unintentional injury to children from 0 – 15 years.
The majority of injuries to children are unintentional - events that are often described as "accidents". Unintentional injuries account for about 96% of injury hospital admissions and about 90% of injury deaths.
More Australian children aged 1 - 14 years die as a result of injury than from cancer, asthma and infectious diseases combined. In 2005, 35% of all deaths in this age group were due to injury*.
Most unintentional injuries are both predictable and preventable.
While the number of injury related deaths and hospital admissions for children has reduced by more than half over the last 2 decades, Australia is still a long way behind countries such as Germany, Sweden and Singapore.
Kidsafe is a national charity that is recognised as a leading agency in supporting parents, carers and the community at large to reduce the incidence and severity of unintentional injuries to children.
During 2009 Kidsafe is celebrating 30 years of “Making a Safer World for Kids".
Preventing childhood injuries does not mean "wrapping children in cotton wool" but it does mean that children need supervision.
Furthermore, children need safe but creative environments in which to learn, grow and develop. Minor bumps, bruises and grazes will always occur but things can be done to prevent serious injury and injury related deaths to children.
Challenge yourself – make Australia a safer place for kids this National Kidsafe Day, 26th October by helping children in your family or community stay injury free.
You can achieve this, for example, through:-
- Safety on the Road: Buckle up every child on every trip in a restraint suitable for their age, weight & height;
- Safety at School: Ensure your child is wearing a well fitted helmet when riding a bike to and from school or recreational activities. Teach children to Stop, Look, Listen and Think before crossing the road;
- Safety at Play: Check that play equipment and toys are suitable for your child’s age and stage of development; and through
- Safety at Home: Complete the Kidsafe Home Safety Checklist (available on the website) to reduce the risk of injury to adventurous toddlers.
For further information on keeping children safe, or to find out what Kidsafe is doing in your state or territory on National Kidsafe Day, contact your local Kidsafe office or visit www.kidsafe.com.au.
* Sourced from Australia's Health 2008, AIHW
