We all like it when kids have fun. So, it’s no surprise to find playgrounds dedicated to fun activities. Every adult in charge of a child should know the basics of playground safety, even if you have a playground soft floor installed. Playgrounds provide children with physical activity and exposure to the outdoors, but they also pose a risk if they are not adequately supervised or maintained. Here, we’ll review some essential guidelines for keeping kids safe while playing outside.
Fun Facts
- According to research by the University of Northern Iowa, in 2004, American playgrounds were given a C+ for overall safety.
- About 80% of all playground injuries happen on public playgrounds. Home playgrounds account for 20% of all injury cases. Fifteen children every year are killed in such incidents.
- About 63% of playground injuries are caused by playground equipment.
- Nearly 80% of public playgrounds have protective surfacing, but just 9% of private playgrounds do.
Playground Rules You Can Observe
The Importance of Supervision
For starters, always keep an eye on the kids you bring to the playground. It’s not enough to be close by; you have to be fully engaged. It’s crucial to watch for misbehavior on the playground and be prepared to intervene if required.
Choosing the Right Playground
Choosing a playground suitable for your child is another crucial step in ensuring their safety. All playgrounds are not made equal; some may be better suited for younger children than others. Find playgrounds with rubber or mulch floors for toddlers and preschoolers to prevent injuries from falls. It’s possible that older kids can manage more advanced technology, but you should check that it’s safe and in good working order before letting them use it.
Inspecting Playground Equipment
Before letting your kid play on the playground equipment, it’s essential to do a safety check. Eliminate any potential for harm by checking for and eliminating loose screws or sharp edges. Also, ensure no trip hazards such as loose rocks or tree roots. Don’t let your kid play on the equipment if there are any apparent problems; let the authorities know about it.
Teaching Safe Play Habits
It is also important to instruct kids on playground safety. This is part of educating kids on the value of sharing and taking turns with the tools. Teaching children to be alert to and cautious of potential threats, such as moving vehicles and other hazards, is also crucial.
Dressing Children Appropriately for Play
Having your child wear age-appropriate clothing is another crucial step in ensuring their safety in the playground. This includes not wearing anything that could get caught on machinery and cause harm, such as loose clothing or jewelry. Sunscreen is recommended, and so is providing plenty of water to drink so that no one gets too dehydrated.
The importance of knowing about playground safety measures cannot be overstated. You can help your child have a good time and stay safe on the playground by always keeping an eye on them, selecting a suitable playground, checking the condition of the equipment, instilling in them safe play practices, and providing them with proper clothing.
