Unintentional brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children. Parents may not always be able to keep their children from getting hurt, but there are some simple things they can do to make injury less likely. Protecting a child's head from falls and motor vehicle crashes is one of the most important things. Please take a few minutes to read through the information below.

A parent's role as a teacher and role model:
At this age, children will begin making their own safety decisions. Parents will not always be present to protect them, however it is still their role as teachers to guide them in making proper choices. Parents still need to enforce the safety rules for their children such as wearing seatbelts, wearing a helmet while riding their bikes or never touching a gun.

The other role parents play at this age is that of a role model. Children will mimic the behavior of their parents, therefore if the parent wears a seatbelt, it increases the likelihood that their children will when they are not with their parents.

Parents should remain active in their children’s lives by knowing their friends, habits and activities so that they can detect differences in their children that could indicate a bigger issue such as suicidal thoughts, gang activity or improper decision making.

It is our hope that the following information will assist parents in raising a healthy, happy and safe child.

The biggest risk for middle schoolers at this age:

Car Crashes:
At this age, children should always wear seatbelts no matter where they are seated in the car and they must ride in the back seat until they are 12 years old. It is important for parents to start talking to their children about the people they ride with. Ask them if the people they ride with are safe drivers, if they drink and drive and how many kids will be in the car. For more information, visit www.thinkfirst.org.

Falls/Drowning:
Parents should ensure their children wear a correctly fitted helmet when riding a bike, scooter or while roller skating (ATV riding is not recommended at this age). If children are in or near large bodies of water, they need to wear a personal flotation device to protect themselves from drowning, even if they can swim. For more information, visit www.thinkfirst.org.

Fire:
To minimize the risk of injuries or death from house fires, parents must install smoke detectors and check that they work regularly. For more information on fire safety visit www.charlottefire.org.

Poisoning:
At this age it is important to discuss the consequences of mixing and overdosing on medications, illegal drugs or other inhalants. If a poisoning is suspected call 1-800-222-1222. For more information visit www.ncpoisoncenter.org.

Outdoor Safety:
Parents should make sure their children know how to safely engage in outdoor activities on their own such as walking, biking and mowing the lawn. For more information visit www.thinkfirst.org.

Fire Arms:
Parents should ensure that all firearms are locked away unloaded in a cabinet or with a trigger lock and stored away from the ammunition in their homes and in the homes where their children play. For more information, visit www.thinkfirst.org or www.charmeck.org/Departments/MCSO/Home.htm.

Sports Safety:
During sport activities, parents should ensure that their children are wearing all the protective gear required of that sport and that safety precautions are taken during games and practices. For more information, visit www.aaos.org/wordhtml/prevspor.htm or www.nata.org.

Youth violence:
Youth violence includes aggressive behaviors such as verbal abuse, bullying, hitting, slapping or fist fighting. Parents should teach their children other outlets for expressing anger and encourage positive activities. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or www.safeyouth.org.

For more information on childhood injuries locally, visit www.carolinasinjuryprevention.com or www.safekidscharmeck.org. For national information visit www.cdc.gov, www.usa.safekids.org or www.aap.org.

This article is provided strictly as a service and for informational purposes. Carolinas Medical Center makes no representations or warranties about the information in this article and this article is not intended to replace any advice or information from your pediatrician. This article does not guarantee that an infant or child will not suffer injury or death even if all guidelines are followed.