Securing your television is an important part of childproofing your home. As televisions are getting larger and flatter, the number of injuries caused by a toppling TV are increasing.
Every 30 minutes in the U.S., a child is treated in the emergency room for an injury caused by a toppling TV. An article by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows a 125.5% increase in television-related injuries from 1990 to 2011. Many of these injuries could have been prevented by taking a few television safety precautions:
- Mount flat screen TVs to the wall
- If you use a stand, be sure to use the proper size stand or console for the size of your television – ideally, keep the TV low to the ground and on a wide base. TV's should not be placed on dressers.
- Secure the television to the wall to prevent tip overs
- Remove objects from the top of the television that children may want to play with (i.e., remotes, food, toys, etc.), so they are not enticed to climb up
- Keep an eye on your child
Learn More
Safekids.org has several childproofing-your-television resources including a tip sheet on TV and Furniture Tip-Overs and a TV Tip-Overs By the Numbers Infographic.
See more ways to keep your child safe from common dangers around the house: 7 important ways to childproof your home.
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