Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
Television-related injuries to children in the United States, 1990-2011
Ana C De Roo1, Thiphalak Chounthirath, Gary A Smith
1Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
Insights
Pediatric TV-related injuries are common, with a significant increase in injuries from falling televisions. Prevention efforts are crucial to protect children from these hazards.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Safety
- Injury Epidemiology
Background:
- Television-related injuries pose a significant risk to children.
- Understanding injury patterns is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of television (TV)-related injuries among children in the United States.
- To analyze trends in TV-related injuries over a 22-year period.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS).
- Analyzed emergency department visits for children (<18 years) with TV-related injuries from 1990-2011.
Main Results:
- An estimated 380,885 children were treated for TV-related injuries.
- Injuries from falling TVs significantly increased by 125.5% during the study period.
- A substantial rise in injuries from TVs falling off furniture was observed.
Conclusions:
- The increasing rate of pediatric injuries from falling TVs necessitates enhanced prevention efforts.
- Recommended strategies include public education, TV anchoring devices, and improved TV stability standards.
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiology of television (TV)-related injuries to children in the United States.
Methods:
Using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, children aged <18 years treated in United States hospital emergency departments for an injury associated with a TV from 1990 through 2011 were investigated.
Results:
An estimated 380,885 patients aged <18 years were treated in emergency departments for a TV-related injury during the 22-year study period, which equals an annual average of 17,313 children. The median age of patients was 3 years; children <5 years represented 64.3% of patients, and boys comprised 60.8%. The average annual injury rate was 2.43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07-2.80) injuries per 10,000 children aged <18 years, with a range of 2.15 (95% CI: 1.64-2.66) to 2.90 (95% CI: 2.31-3.49). Although the overall injury rate was steady, the number and rate of injuries associated with falling TVs increased significantly by 125.5% and 95.3%, respectively, during the study period. In addition, there was a significant 344.1% increase in the number of injuries associated with a TV falling from a dresser/bureau/chest of drawers/armoire during 1995-2011.
Conclusions:
The rate of pediatric injuries caused by falling TVs is increasing, which underscores the need for increased prevention efforts. Prevention strategies include public education, provision of TV anchoring devices at the point of sale of TVs, TV anchoring device distribution programs, strengthening of standards for TV stability, and redesign of TVs to improve stability.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Teratogenicity
Cellular Injury I: Introduction
Cellular Injury II: Classification
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

