Safety with Emirates24|7: Children on playground

While playgrounds provide ample activity for children and serve as a great area to improve on their social skills, they can also cause harm if guardians aren’t watchful enough.

Although it is normal to get a scratch or bump, some injures can be life-threatening and demand immediate medical attention. Fractures, strangulation, concussions, dislocation and amputations are just some of the risk kids could face if they are careless on the playground.

Faulty equipment, hard surfaces, careless behaviour and even what they wear can ruin the fun out in the play area.

Often it is the younger kids who end up bruising or hurting themselves the most, mainly because they are still developing their balance act. They are unable to comprehend the enormity of the problem, but parents/guardians must make them understand the dangers in the playground.

Here are some guidelines set out by safety experts.

Always send kids to age-appropriate sections of the playground, but in case there aren’t any classifications then, don’t let a child under five years of age try any equipment higher than five-feet. If a child cannot reach the equipment by herself/himself, it is likely it be unsafe for them.

If the playground has a sandpit, check if there are sharp objects or broken glass stuck in it, and aren’t contaminated with bugs.

Never allow kids to wear drawstrings or cords, as these can get caught in the equipment and could harm the child. And urge them to wear good, comfortable shoes for their activities.

Whenever you take your child out in the sun, ensure that they wear ample sunscreen so that they protect their skin from the harsh effects of the sun.

Most playgrounds nowadays have climbing equipment, and these prove to be the more risky than the others. Even swings, see-saws and slides can prove dangerous, if children aren’t vigilant.

When taking out smaller kids, ensure that the play areas are covered adequately with shock-absorbing surfaces.

Simple tips to help keep your child safe at playgrounds

Always supervise your children, and make sure they know how to use equipment accurately. Teach kids to go down the slide feet first and hold railings, and to sit right on swings.

Ensure your child is old enough to use a particular equipment.

Watch out for sharp objects or spaces where your child’s head could get stuck.

Kids should not be allowed to stand on the swing.

Always keep children away from moving swings and the bottom of slides.

Teach children to wait their turn, and to respect the choices other kids make.

Check the playground equipment are well maintained, and not rusted or broken.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.