Childhood Injury Prevention Handbook

Children’s of Alabama

COMMON INJURY TYPES BY AGE

Teenagers (Ages 13–19)

FIREARMS • Firearms are THE LEADING CAUSE of death in children. • Firearms should be kept LOCKED AND UNLOADED with ammunition stored and locked separately. • If your teen is dealing with behavioral health issues, it is recommended to remove all firearms and other weapons from the house. DROWNING • Drownings often occur in lakes and other bodies of water when teens are without adequate supervision or use of life jackets.

BURNS • Bonfires and burning trash are common injuries for teens.

POISONINGS • Alcohol and drug abuse are common in this age group. • Poison and prescription medication ingestions are common methods for teen suicide attempts. • Lock medications up to keep them away from teenagers—a medication lockbox is an ideal place to store medications.

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