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LOS ANGELES – Parents are often concerned about the safety of their children, especially when it comes to sports and physical activities. A new report from The Schiller Kessler Group, a law firm based in Florida, sought out to find which sports and activities are leading to the highest number of injuries in kids across three age groups: under 4, 5-14, and 15-24.
The data, sourced from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), highlights the most dangerous activities based on injury reports from hospitals nationwide.
For children aged 0-4, playground equipment leads the list with 49,233 injuries in 2023. Trampolines and swimming-related activities also contribute significantly to injury rates in this age group, emphasizing the need for close supervision.
Supervision is key, especially with activities like playgrounds and swimming. Injured In Florida emphasizes that parents should always stay close when children are playing or swimming, as accidents can happen quickly. For trampolines, experts recommend keeping children under 6 off them entirely to prevent damage to their developing bodies.
For kids between the ages of 5 and 14, football tops the list with 140,877 injuries in 2023. Playground equipment, basketball, and soccer also rank high, highlighting the risks associated with popular team sports.
FILE – Aerial view shows an elementary school soccer field. (Photo by Mika Volkmann/Getty Images)
In team sports like football and soccer, proper equipment, hydration, and regular breaks are essential to prevent injuries. Injured In Florida advises that children wear helmets for football and cycling, as well as protective gear like shin guards and shoulder pads for soccer and football. Warming up and stretching before playing can also help prevent strains and injuries.
For the 15-24 age group, basketball is the top injury-causing activity, responsible for 149,816 injuries in 2023. Football, exercise equipment, and ATVs or mopeds are also common causes of injuries.
For older kids and teens, proper technique when using exercise equipment is crucial. Teens should also understand the importance of first aid, such as knowing how to identify a concussion or put someone in the recovery position. Injured In Florida encourages teaching teens about balancing nutrition, rest, and workouts to build a healthy fitness routine.
