Teaching preschoolers safety rules: A pilot study of injury prevention

Unintentional injuries pose a significant threat to the health of young children. Although environmental changes, enhanced parental supervision, and legislation are important measures to prevent childhood injuries, educating children about safety is an essential component to effective primary prevention. In this pilot study, a convenience sample of 301 preschoolers (82% Latino) participated in a behavioral-skills training program to prevent injuries and were compared to controls (n=45). Participants were pre- and post-tested on their knowledge of general safety rules related to riding in vehicles, crossing the street, being lost or alone, and playing with guns and matches/lighters. Other than knowing to wear a seatbelt, pre-test data showed a concerning lack of knowledge regarding safety. There were significant increases in safety rules knowledge after training. Findings support the value of training preschoolers in multiple areas of safety as one important strategy for the primary prevention of unintentional injuries.