As a parent, protecting your children is one of the most important jobs in the world. You would do anything for your children – and that’s only natural given how vulnerable and precious they are. Like many people, you probably don’t think much about child safety issues – but perhaps it’s time to take some steps. Knowing these shocking statistics might just make you change your mind…
Sometimes we fail to realize we need to change, and that our perspectives can be significantly impacted by outside information presented with facts and statistics. After discussing child safety at home and out in the world, you may have a renewed sense of urgency towards protecting your children, especially now that they are getting older. If you’re looking for more knowledge about what could potentially happen if you don’t remain alert to the possibilities of dangers your children face both in their lives today and as they grow older, this guide ensures you have all of the necessary information required to help keep them safe no matter where their journey takes them.
Are you ready to hear some of the shocking statistics?
- According to the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, there are approximately 800,000 kids reported missing each year. This includes both those that have been abducted, ran away from home, and whose whereabouts are otherwise unknown by the parents or custodial guardians.
- A child is reported missing every 40 seconds in the U.S.
- 74% of all child abductions are of female victims.
- The National Center for Exploited and Missing Children also reports that more than
200,000 children are kidnapped or abducted by a family member or close relative and another 58,000 kidnapped by a stranger each year in the U.S. It seems that no one is trustworthy around your children these days.
- Do something.org reports that approximately 1.2 million school-aged students are bullied each year. An average of 4,600 teen suicides is reported each year, with a large number of those suicides related to bullying experienced both at school, at home, and online.
- The Department of Justice reports that there are 1.8 million children affected by sexual abuse in the U.S. Many of these cases involve a close family member or friend, or someone that the child trusted.
- One out of every three teens aged 12 to 17 has been the victim of cyberbullying.
- Approximately 400 children were killed while riding their bikes in 2010. Another 515,000 bicycle injuries were reported in this same year. These accidents were oftentimes the result of not wearing a helmet
- The U.S. Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 390 children die from accidental pool drowning each year. Most of these deaths are children under 5 years of age.
- Children riding bikes are at greater risk of accident, injury, or death than while riding inside of a car, despite the fact that bicycle accidents account for only 1% of all accidents reported.
- Motor vehicle accidents, homicide, suicide, and other unintentional injuries are responsible for ¾ of all teen related deaths in the U.S.
- Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug used by adolescents. Prescription drugs are a close second on the list.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 44% of all high school seniors have used marijuana on at least one occasion and many currently use the drug.
- It is reported that one in every four girls is the victim of sexual abuse, while one in every six boys are victims of this crime.
- Baby-proofing and child-proofing your home may reduce the risk of accident or injury by as much as 60%.
- The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that many of the automobile related accidents and deaths could have been prevented with a car seat that was properly installed. More than 73% of all car seats currently being used are installed correctly, putting the life of your newborn at risk.
- Bicycle related head injuries can be avoided with the use of a bicycle helmet. There are helmets available for bike riders of all ages.
