A dramatic increase in the number of kids playing organized sports has led to a rapid rise in sports-related injuries. To address this emerging issue, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, along with Johnson & Johnson and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, launched Get Into the Game! - a nationwide sports safety initiative educating parents on pediatric sports injury prevention. The Campaign commissioned Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. to conduct a national telephone survey examining parents’ perceptions of sports injury risks and their children’s sports injury experiences. Preliminary survey data revealed that most parents see their kids’ involvement in sports as positive and accept shared responsibility along with coaches, schools and teams for keeping their kids safe. However, results also showed that parents have a low perception of risk of sports injuries. Over half of parents worry “not that much” about their child being hurt while playing sports. While parents feel it is important for kids to wear protective equipment and take other safety precautions, fewer parents reported making sure their children actually did so. The survey also revealed that among parents of children who have sustained sports injuries, over three-quarters feel there was nothing they could have done to prevent the injury. It is estimated, however, that half of sports injuries are preventable. At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to articulate the national need for additional sports safety program resources, better analyze sports injury data and identify key sports safety messages for parents and kids.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Children, Injury
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National SAFE KIDS Campaign
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment