Unit 2: Staying Safe.(Brief Article)

Background Bonus

Every year, more children die as a result of accidental injuries than from all diseases combined. In 1991, 13.9 percent of the deaths of children aged 14 and under were caused by accidents. These injuries result from traffic accidents; falls from bikes, playground equipment or skateboards; team sports-related activities; burns; drownings; poisoning; or choking. In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics estimated that, every year, health-care costs for childhood injuries reach $7.5 billion. These statistics are a major concern for parents and others involved in the health and safety education of children.

A number of groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Safety Council, are actively promoting programs to improve child safety. This involves educating parents to remove potential hazards from the home and to provide safety equipment for their children. Also children must be educated to recognize hazards and to use appropriate safety equipment and procedures. The fact that many children, called latchkey children, are at home alone every day after school adds importance to safety education.

Unit Objectives

Students learn to

* understand the concepts and practices of home safety;

* travel safely;