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Living > Public Health, Safety

Child Safety Outside

Girl on monkey bars Keeping your child safe is not an easy thing to do when they run and play outside. Teaching them the skills they need to make safe choices can start at any age and help them to take safe risks as they get older.

Sun Safety-Protecting the Skin You Are In

Before you even go outside, protect your family's skin and eyes from the sun.

To stop sun burns wear wide brim hats, protective clothing, and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

Wear UVA/UVB sunglasses too. Over time the sun can affect the eyes, skin, your ability to fight diseases, and increase the risk for skin cancer. It is best to begin sun safe habits now.

Playground Safety

Playgrounds in local parks and in your own backyard are great places for families to have fun, get active and be creative. It is also where many children get hurt.

In Niagara, over 1500 children under the age of 15 had to visit the Emergency Room because of injuries at a playground between 2003 and 2007.

5 Simple Things to Check Before your Child Plays

  • Cellphone is Turned On
    Make sure it is on and you know the location of your park or playground. If a child is seriously hurt, you are ready to call 911.
  • Playground and Equipment
    Look for broken glass, rusty parts, or wide spaces your child could fall through.
  • What your Child is Wearing
    Make sure your child is not wearing anything with strings or a helmet with straps that can get stuck while playing.
  • Height of Equipment
    It is dangerous for children under the age of 5 to play on equipment higher than 1.5 metres (5 feet) off the ground. If you can't reach them on the playground, your child is too high.
  • Playground Rules
    Check to see if your child is following basic playground rules:
    • Go up the ladder and down the slide.
    • There are lots of places to climb. The very top of the playground and playground bars are not one of them.
    • Wait your turn.
    • Pushing can hurt. Share and have fun.
    • Hold onto the railings.
    • Keep far away from moving swings. That includes running under the swing.

For more information visit Safe Kids Canada

Crossing the Street (Pedestrian Safety)

Children under the age of 9 years old just can't cross the street safely alone. Think about all things you need to do before you cross the street. You think about the speed of cars, how far away is the other side of the road, how fast you can walk or run across, traffic signs and lights, different sounds, and the rules of the road. We do a lot when we stop, look, and listen. This is all too much for children to think about all at once. They do not have the skills to put all the pieces together and make a safe decision.

That is why children need to be told when it is safe to cross. Hold their hands outside. Remind them to stop, look, and listen for danger every time you cross a street or walk in a parking lot.

Stop Look Listen Together

Download this Pamphlet This pamphlet teaches children how to cross the street safely with an adult.

Learn traffic signs and play fun games together while you learn.

Free Children's Storybooks

These friendly stories help teach children about walking outside and keeping safe while crossing the street. Download these stories and read together about how the Monkey Family walks and explores their community.

Bicycle Safety

The 2-V-1 Bicycle Rule Every year children fall off their bikes and have to go to the hospital. There are two important ways you can help your child be safe when they ride their bikes are:

Be Aware. Be There.

Know what your child is doing.
Stay close so that you can help.

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