March 2004

New guide to child safety

Athlete Lauren Hewitt has launched the new Royal Children’s Hospital Child Safety Handbook to prevent accidental injuries to children aged six to 12.

‘The handbook is a resource guide to help parents learn how to protect their children from accidental injuries in the home, farms, school and playground,’ said Royal Children’s Hospital Safety Centre Manager Helen Rowan.

‘It also covers water and road safety.

‘We need to reduce the number of unintentional injuries to children in Australia and this handbook will show parents how to avoid accidents,’ said Ms Rowan.

In 2001, there were 2,499 hospital admissions and 9,432 Emergency Department visits in Victoria from children aged 10–12.

The Royal Children’s Child Safety Handbook was developed with the Department of Education and Training, Catholic Education Office, Association of Independent Schools of Victoria and various health and safety advisory groups.

Local businesses have subsidised production through advertising.

It will be distributed to all Grade 6 pupils throughout Victoria.

Parents can obtain a free copy of the Royal Children’s Child Safety Handbook by calling the Royal Children’s Safety Centre on 9345 5085.