Summer break is over and parents are sending their children back to class and away to college for the 2018-2019 school year. For most parents, their child returns home from school safe from any harm. Unfortunately, there are also thousands of students who require medical attention after being injured while at school. We took a look at what causes some of the most severe injuries that occur to students while on school property and what you can do to help children protect themselves.
Playground Injuries
Kids will be kids, especially during recess, so it may not be shocking to hear that most school-related injuries happen outside on the playground. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that “There are more than 200,000 children under the age of 14 treat for playground-related injuries each year…” and that “…about 75% of injuries related to playground equipment occur on public playgrounds. Most occur at a place of recreation or school”.
A school is usually responsible for playground negligence. Here are a few things you can ask yourself if you suspect playground negligence:
- Is there a railing or barrier to protect a child from falling off of an elevated surface?
- Are there hazards such as rocks, concrete, or tree stumps that could cause an injury?
- Does the playground display a sign containing safety information?
- Is there any other suspicious activity on or around the playground?
Bullying
Did you know suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in our nation? In many cases, bullying and cyberbullying are some of the main contributors in suicides among those under the age of 18. It’s impossible to protect your kid 24/7, but there are still a few important things you can do and look for to help protect the one(s) you love.
There are several warning signs that may help you identify when someone may be having suicidal thoughts. Victims of suicide often leave clues behind before they act on their feelings. These signs include thoughts about death, changes in behavior and appearance, making final arrangements and changes in overall mood or thoughts.
What can you do?
- Stay calm
- Stay open and inviting and never judge
- Pay close attention to actions and thoughts
- Reassure them that help is here
- Be direct and ask them if they are having any suicidal thoughts
- Call the suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255
The National Association of School Psychologists also recommends that parents and students reach out to their school psychologist if a student or child is depressed or suspected of being suicidal. You can visit this link to their website for more information: http://ow.ly/xqh530lBNNx
Gun Violence
The presence of guns in schools has increased dramatically over the past decade and has some calling for actions to try and make our schools and community a safer place. The first half of 2018 saw an average of about one school shooting per week. Many experts believe that gun violence is commonly committed by someone who has some type of mental illness. Observing changes in behavior and communicating with our students and children may help to better protect schools in the Kansas City area and throughout the nation. Responsible gun ownership can also help protect our youth from illegally gaining access to deadly weapons such as a gun. Parents, caregivers, and legal guardians can always contact a mental health professional if they think a student may need professional help.
Castle Law Office of Kansas City is happy to announce that we are sponsoring a Back to School Public Safety Announcement (PSA) video contest for our local Kansas City metro area high schools. School has started for most school districts and this is a great way to give back to our community and promote back to school safety.
Back to School Public Safety Announcement (PSA): https://www.castlelaw-kc.com/blog/castle-law-office-supports-safety-our-local-schools.cfm
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/features/safeschools/index.html
