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Children aged under 5 years old spend most of their time with parents, relatives or family friends. Therefore the main risks they face involve safety issues in the home, their immediate neighbourhood, at school or children’s activity or while out in public places with their family. Key Safety issues for under 5 year olds
Accidents in the home Children aged under five are very vulnerable to a variety of accidents and injuries in the world around them as they begin to increase their understanding of the world. The main risks to them from accidents and injury involve the home, in the garden or out in public places while they play. However, being as young as they are, young children are often accompanied by adults who supervise them and are there to help out if they need help. For more information about accidents see the ‘Accidents & Injuries’ pages on this website. These pages offer more information, advice and details of services which can provide help and support. Child abuse & child protection While child abuse, such as neglect, emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse, can happen throughout a child’s life, the ages of 0-11 are when children are at their most vulnerable. Child abuse can be a very complicated subject and can affect a child in many different ways, affecting their development, emotions, outlook on life and relationships with other people. For out more information about child abuse see the ‘Child Abuse’ page and ‘Child Protection’ section of this website. The page offers more information, advice and details of services which can provide help and support Domestic violence Evidence shows that children who live in a house where domestic abuse or violence takes place notice and know it goes on from an early age. Witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse or violence can have a big affect on children. They can experience a range of emotions and fears which can affect their behaviour and self esteem. Domestic violence also has a link with child abuse and in many families where domestic violence happens, children are abused either emotionally, physically or even sexually abuse by the perpetrator. For more information about domestic abuse and violence see the pages in the ‘Domestic Abuse’ section of this website. These pages offer more information, advice and details of services which can provide help and support. Going missing/getting lost Young children aged five and under sometimes get separated or get lost from their parents, carers or the adults supervising them. Although this is more likely to happen to children aged 6-11. Getting lost however usually happens in crowded public places such as shops, beach areas, parks etc. The vast majority of children are found and are only missing for very short periods of time, it is very rare for children to be abducted or never found. Always make sure that your child know what they should do if they ever become lost or separated from you. For example, can they report to a dedicated lost children’s post; an Information Desk, a Security Guard or store official, or a Lifeguard Station etc. They may be able to call you on their mobile phone. For more information about children getting lost see the ‘Children Missing’ page on this website. The page offers more information, advice and details of services which can provide help and support. Advice & support Parents and carers can speak to their Health Visitor, local Children’s Centre or GP for more advice, information and support regarding safety issues and risks which might face their child. |
