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Published by Allen Brown
As a parent, it is usually your top priority to protect your child. Monitoring your child’s behavior as well as their friends, routines, and keeping open communication is very important and key to their wellbeing.
From toxins to head injuries, children today face serious threats in today’s society. Perhaps more than ever before it is important that parents are aware of potential dangers to their children and how they can keep them safe.
Guns
Guns and children can be a dangerous and even deadly combination resulting in accidental death, homicide, and suicide. If you have a gun, or guns in the home, be extra sure that you keep them locked away in a safe location. Be sure to have a discussion with your kids about gun safety, including what to do if they are at a friend or neighbor’s house and there happens to be an unsecured gun.
Unsafe infant sleep
Your teens are not the only ones at risk of danger. Co-sleeping, soft animals, pillows, and blankets can all increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in sleeping little ones. If you have a small child or infant at home, make sure that you are up to date on safe sleep guidelines and ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
Toxic exposures
Look around your house and the places where your child is spending a lot of time from the perspective of your child. New detergent packaging is concentrated and colorful. This can be deadly to toddlers and young children who think they are candy. Look for things that are appealing or like candy? Be sure to look at what chemicals or household cleaners are within reach and be sure to remove them. It is important that you take the necessary steps to reduce these temptations and hazards. Also, be very sure to lock medicine cabinets and keep medication in secure, out-of-reach places.
Suicide and depression
Suicide attempts using guns and drugs (both illegal and prescription) are on the rise. As a parent or guardian, you need to take the time to talk to your children about depression, bullying, and suicide, and be sure to lock away guns and medication at home. If you are worried about your teen or child, don’t hesitate to check in with teachers and their friends and learn how to openly communicate with them. If you think your child is going to act on suicidal thoughts you should seek out help immediately.
Child abuse or neglect
It is important to identify and support children who are at risk of being neglected or abused. If you see something that just doesn’t seem right, do not delay. An abuse lawsuit is no light labor. Talk to the school about your concerns, or contact the social workers at your county’s child protective services office, or notify the police if you suspect child abuse.
Motor vehicle accidents
Up to about 50 percent of all teenage motor vehicle accidents include alcohol, marijuana, or texting while they drive. Make sure your teens are well educated in traveling safely and that they know better than to drink and drive. Make sure that you establish and implement a 24/7 safety plan if your teenager finds themselves in a situation where he or she is not feeling safe about driving or being in a car with a friend, or someone who is driving.
Illicit drug use
In today’s day and age, teens have access to all sorts of drugs. Their parents’ prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and even new designer drugs are all fair game. Be sure to keep an eye on your teen’s behavior and to inform them about the dangers of drug use and the effect it could have on your family and their future.
Teen pregnancy
Teen pregnancies come with a higher death rate as well as a higher rate of complication. Teenage mothers are unfortunately less likely to graduate from high school and to receive a college education. They are more likely to end up on government assistance as adults and unable to support themselves and their children. Talk to your teens about the importance of safe sex and the risks of teen pregnancy.
Head injuries
Kids need to wear helmets when participating in activities that could result in falling and getting a head injury. This includes riding a bike, snowboarding, skateboarding, etc. A helmet is a cheap, easy, and effective form of protection.
Here are a few of the risks that your kid faces today. It is important that you know what they are and take them seriously so that you are educated enough to be able to educate your kids on how to deal with these issues.