Parenting Tip: TV Safety

Did you know that according to Safe Kids Worldwide, almost 13,000 children are seriously injured by falling TVs? And what's even more important is that most of these children are ages 5 and UNDER! Why you wonder? Because younger children's bodies cannot withstand the impact of a heavy falling object like older children and adults can. What would break a few bones on an older child or adult can crush the bones that protect internal organs on our little ones. 

Furthermore, while you may feel that your child is safer because you have a flat screen TV, it's important to know that the narrow base on these TVs makes them even more of a hazard due to the fact that they are even easier to pull over than their older, bulkier, counterparts.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your little one safe from the potential danger of a falling screen:

1. If using a larger, older-model/style TV, place it on a piece of furniture that is no higher than your knee. This will minimize the distance the TV can fall and the injury due to impact from the TV.

 

2. When using a flat screen TV, mount it directly to a wall with a stud.

3. If placing a flat screen on a piece of furniture, use a mounting kit or straps to attach the TV to the wall or the furniture to prevent the TV from falling.

 

4. Anchor all furniture that is shoulder height or taller to a wall to prevent the possibility of the furniture tipping over and anything that is placed on the furniture.

5. Keep desired items like remote controls on low shelf. I know this seems counter productive, but it will actually deter your child from climbing up taller furniture to retrieve the desired item.