Why We Do It

The Reasons

To try to reduce the shocking numbers of accidents involving children.

The statistics speak for themselves:

256 children an hour are taken to hospitals following accidents. At least 700 will die and 10,000 will be left disabled. Annually, 30,000 children are chemically poisoned and 3,500 under 5 year olds are seriously scalded
Where? Almost half of those accidents - that's a million each year - occur in the home. Around 40,000 occur on the roads.
Why? Children are impulsive, adventurous and keen to explore. What's more, they often don't know any better.

450 children start smoking each day - some as young as 5 years old. A third of those young smokers will die prematurely as a result of their habit.
Where? Throughout the UK, out of the sight of teachers and parents.
Why? Children are inquisitive, keen to impress and easily influenced by peer pressure. What's more, they rarely know the full facts about smoking.

3% of children use cocaine or heroin. A surprising number of primary school children are addicted to heroin, and by the age of 14 three per cent of children will have tried cocaine.
Where? All across the country, away from prying eyes.
Why? Children want to broaden their horizons and earn the respect of their peers. What's more, they rarely know the full facts about drugs.
20,000 children are excluded from school for misuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco

Each year 1,000 young people under the age of 15 need emergency treatment for alcohol poisoning.
Where? Children start drinking on every street corner of every town, well out of sight of their carers.
Why? Children think drinking is a 'big', 'grown-up' pastime that earns peer respect. What's more, they rarely know the full facts about alcohol.

Each year there are in excess of 50,000 home fires in the UK. These account for 46% of all child accident fatalities.
Where? In any home, in any town.
Why? People are careless. They leave pans unattended and they don't dispose of smoking materials correctly. What's more, they rarely know the full facts about fire.

Every year 2,600 are victims of serious cases of cruelty and neglect 577 children are abducted.
Where? Anywhere.
Why?

Sources: D.T.I., R.O.S.P.A., Central Statistics Office, Home Office

25,686 Children's lives reached in June.

368,038 Children's lives reached in the last year.

Safety Resources:

A Child’s Eye View Of Firefighters DVD PLUS