As schools try to do more with less, many PTAs are working with school officials to help improve the school environment. Playground safety is one area where PTAs can make a difference. For example, PTAs can work with schools to schedule volunteers to help with recess supervision. They can also teach children the rules of the playground and how to…

Safety education messages aimed at young children should be simple and emphasize direct how-to-cross instructions. "Left-right-left" search messages appear to be effective in counteracting common pedestrian errors of children. Included is a list of 28 child pedestrian safety materials, evaluated and selected from 274 submissions, by the…

The role of the school psychologist in the prevention of injuries to children is discussed. Targets, methods, and tactics of injury prevention are considered, and some examples of prevention programs are presented. (SLD)

A survey, based on site visits to 206 randomly selected playgrounds in school systems in 23 states, notes numerous safety problems. The designer of more than 75 playgrounds offers guidelines that improve the safety as well as the physical fitness value of school playgrounds. (MLF)

Analyzes the actions taken by an instructor when a student fell while climbing a gill (a gorge cut into the mountainside by a fast-flowing stream). Stresses the importance of instructors making quick decisions and remaining calm during a potentially dangerous situation. Suggests using a hand line in the future to alert students of risk involved.…

Assessed the prevalence and type of firearms in households with children and social correlates of ownership. Predictor variables for ownership included rural residence, fewer preschool children, gender, and race. Data suggest that pediatricians routinely see children in families that own firearms, many of which are loaded and unlocked handguns.…

A risk management plan for outdoor education programs should include procedures for regular program implementation, as well as rescue, first aid, and accident follow-up procedures. Stresses understanding legal and ethical responsibilities and the importance of sufficient insurance protection. Includes suggestions for dealing with conflicts in…

The K-2 MORE HEALTH community bicycle safety education program was conducted in nine Florida elementary schools, offering interactive education sessions and reduced-cost bicycle helmets. Researchers reviewed classroom teacher evaluations and observed helmet use at the schools. Results indicated that the program affected helmet use in participating…

Three high school students with moderate mental retardation were taught to remove and discard broken materials (plates and glasses) safely from three locations. The multicomponent treatment package used was effective in teaching the skills, whereas follow-up data indicated mixed results. (Author/JDD)

This article presents the Seizure Observation Form for documenting objective information concerning seizure activity in the classroom and presents guidelines for seizure observation, consisting of questions to direct educators' observations of a seizure. Types of seizures and necessary safety procedures are discussed. (JDD)

Children need to protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection can help enhance the eye's ability to filter out damaging rays, but sunglasses without such protection may allow in more harmful rays. The article presents guidelines to help parents select safe, appropriate sunglasses for their children.…

Parents and children need to learn about bicycle maintenance and safety to keep bicycles fit and safe. The article presents a checklist of important bicycle equipment safety items and makes suggestions about how parents and children can learn more about bicycle safety and maintenance. (SM)

Suggestions to help parents keep their children safe from injury include learn first aid; child-proof the home; use carseats and safety belts; lock up medications, toxic materials, sharp instruments, and guns; block off stairways; install smoke alarms; insist on bike helmets; and put safety plugs in electric sockets. (SM)

Explains why physical education teachers should discourage full sit-ups and describes the Robertson Modified Curl-Up Test as a recommended alternative test of abdominal muscular strength. Curl-up test administration guidelines are included with some preliminary norms from adult groups. (SM)

Secondary level physical educators must be sure to instruct their weight lifters in proper spotting and lifting procedures, because weight training carries a high risk of injury. The article explains how to check the equipment, spot properly for specific exercises, and take general safety precautions in the weight room. (SM)