Parents' perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards child safety: a study in 14 European countries

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Safety
• Public Health
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Childhood injury is a leading cause of death in Europe, particularly for children aged 0-4 years.
• Parents are key caregivers, necessitating an understanding of their safety perceptions and behaviors.
• Targeted prevention efforts require insights into parental attitudes towards child safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate parental perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding child safety in Europe.
• To identify parental concerns and challenges in preventing accidental childhood injuries.
• To inform the development of effective parental education and prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative survey was conducted among 2088 parents of children aged 5 years or under.
• The study encompassed 14 European Union member states.
• Data collection focused on parents' safety measures, concerns, and perceived barriers to child injury prevention.

Main Results:

• 95% of parents reported actively taking measures to prevent accidental injury.
• The primary safety concern identified was children being hit by a car.
• Inability to constantly supervise children and lack of awareness were the main reported difficulties in ensuring safety.
• Two-thirds of parents desired increased government assistance for injury prevention.

Conclusions:

• Parents are proactive in child safety but face challenges with constant supervision and knowledge gaps.
• There is a strong parental desire for more information on accident causes and societal actions for risk reduction.
• Enhanced government support and targeted educational initiatives are crucial for reducing childhood injuries.