Though, if we are susceptible to setting off fireworks all year round, just as we purchase Christmas presents in June, one can hardly blame the retailers - but we do have to stop and think when the consumer is the child. Especially when an increase in firework sales could possibly correlate with a rise in children being injured from fireworks - by over 35 per cent between 2000 and 2001.
More than half of firework injuries in Britain involve children, with 685 under-16s being treated in hospital for injuries sustained from fireworks in 2001. At particular risk are boys aged between 12 and 15 who are more likely to form part of the 30 per cent of accidents that are a result of casual firework incidents in the street or other public places. And, while public information advising on safety procedures for using fireworks continues to be aired appropriately, when we return to the injury statistics it does seem apparent that other tactics are necessary.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
