Start of school year among riskiest periods for child accidents

The return to school brings new challenges and activities, but also increases children's exposure to various risks. Data from Zavarovalnica Triglav reveals that September ranks as the second-highest month for reported accidents involving children and adolescents, closely following June.

As children re-engage in sports, extracurricular activities, and other pursuits, the likelihood of injuries rises. While most childhood accidents have minor consequences, more serious injuries can significantly impact a family's life. Prevention and adequate protection in case of an accident are therefore crucial.

Over the past five years, children and young people have suffered more than 14,000 accidents, with those aged 10 to 14 being the most vulnerable. Sports activities, play, and travel to and from school are the most common scenarios for these incidents, and the number of sports-related injuries has been increasing in recent years.

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Childhood is a period of exploration, movement, and new experiences, so injuries cannot be entirely avoided. Most are milder, but statistics each year also show cases of more severe injuries that significantly change the daily lives of a child and their family. At the beginning of the school year, it is therefore important that, in addition to prevention, we also think about how to provide children with the safest possible environment and support in case of unforeseen events.

Mila Markovska, director of personal insurance development at Zavarovalnica Triglav, emphasizes that childhood is a period of exploration and movement, making it impossible to avoid all injuries. She notes that while most are mild, statistics show severe cases annually that alter daily life for children and their families. "It is important to consider how to ensure the safest possible environment for children and support them in case of unforeseen events," she stated.

Analysis of accident claims shows a notable gender difference: boys sustain approximately 80% more accidents than girls. This disparity is largely attributed to boys' greater engagement in riskier play and sports. However, Markovska cautions against relying on stereotypes, stressing that prevention and awareness are vital for all children, regardless of age or gender.

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When we talk about children's safety, we must not start from stereotypes that boys are primarily exposed to risks. Although they get injured more often, data shows that prevention and awareness remain important for all children, regardless of age or gender.