: Family and Child Study Center - RIHSS

Parents' Awareness of House Safety Measures and Methods of Preventing Child Injuries

Introduction

Children are the future and the source of human energy for any nation. Psychologists and educators assert that the childhood stage profoundly influences subsequent development stages, as an individual's psychological and physical well-being depends on the experiences and events encountered during this phase. These experiences can either produce a beneficial member of society or cause harm. Undoubtedly, raising children is an extremely challenging task, as it lays the foundations for the emergence of successful leaders, engineers, doctors, teachers, and other professionals who leave a significant impact on societies. Considering the child as a fundamental and active participant in the advancement of all communities, those responsible for their upbringing are tasked with setting goals, designing curricula, and employing educational methods that suit the child's needs and diverse growth characteristics (Al-Habib, 1995).

Psychological research and educational and health studies have confirmed that the preschool age is one of the most critical stages of a child's development, being the stage when their needs must be met to ensure their healthy growth. Children at this stage are the most vulnerable to accidents, which can result in injuries and fatalities because they are still unable to identify dangers and are keen to explore their surroundings and discover new things. Their increased mobility means they can access sources of danger around them, whether inside or outside the home, such as electrical appliances, sharp objects, hot water, swimming pools, kitchen hazards, and various types of toys.

Preventing accidents and creating a safe environment for children are top priorities for parents and caregivers. The essential measures and precautions to prevent severe injuries or fatalities are critical, as the effects of such injuries may be profound and long-lasting. It is essential to focus on prevention, and knowledge of first aid whether in developed or developing countries. These accidents are a significant societal issue that requires attention before they occur, not after (Al-Baljihi, Amal Ahmed, 2017, 613-626).

This paper draws on data from numerous specialized studies conducted on unintentional accidents involving children inside and outside their homes, and considering the Global Report on Child Injury Prevention, which is the first global assessment of unintentional child injuries published by the World Health Organization in collaboration with UNICEF in 2008, with contributions from 180 experts from 56 countries worldwide. The Global Report on Child Injury Prevention played a pivotal role in guiding scientific studies that shed light on household accidents affecting children globally: a primary cause of their deaths. The report indicates that unintentional injuries result in the deaths of more than 2,000 children daily and hospitalize tens of millions of other children worldwide. Often, these injuries lead to lifelong disabilities, leaving deep negative impacts on the child's psychological, social, educational, and recreational quality of life. The report also highlighted the seriousness and prevalence of the phenomenon in both developed and developing countries and emphasized the need to take necessary preventive measures (WHO & UNICEF, 2008, VII).

Share

Other Research Stories You May Like