| Many children have a love for | | | | use of proper head gear. There are |
| skateboarding. They watch some of their | | | | specialty shorts and shirts that are |
| favorite professionals do tricks and | | | | made for skateboarders that include |
| dangerous moves on television and want | | | | padding which will help reduce cuts, |
| to do them also. However, the people on | | | | scrapes and possibly broken bones in |
| television are highly trained and well | | | | case of a fall. At the very minimum, the |
| protected. Children need to be aware of | | | | child should be wearing protective elbow |
| the risks associated with skateboarding | | | | and knee pads at all times. |
| and how to minimize those risks by being | | | | When skateboarding, it is inevitable |
| safe. Children should be told before | | | | that the skateboarder will eventually |
| they start skateboarding that this is a | | | | fall. This may occur as one is learning |
| fun but dangerous sport and they should | | | | how to skateboard or when trying tricks |
| always be aware of the dangers when | | | | and more complicated maneuvers. Learning |
| trying to do anything on a skateboard. | | | | how to fall properly will help reduce |
| Additionally, before the child goes out, | | | | injury. Lowering the body and rolling is |
| children should be sure they have on all | | | | the best way to fall. If completely |
| protective equipment and that they are | | | | upright, the impact will be harder and |
| supervised by an adult or they are in | | | | there will be more of a chance of |
| contact with an adult at all times in | | | | injury. Trying to relax is difficult but |
| case of emergency. | | | | a relaxed body is less prone to breaks |
| The skateboard itself should be | | | | than a rigid one. The skateboarder |
| considered before purchasing. There are | | | | should also be aware of others who are |
| different types of boards for different | | | | around and should be aware of their |
| forms and levels of skate boarder. | | | | environment. A skate board park or back |
| Choosing the proper skateboard and | | | | yard is the safest environment for |
| ensuring it is age appropriate is very | | | | skateboarders. It is not advisable to |
| important. Protective gear is very | | | | allow children to skateboard on the |
| important when skateboarding. Shoes | | | | street because passing cars pose an |
| should be closed toe and provide | | | | increased risk. Ensuring children know |
| flexibility and a grip that is | | | | how to protect themselves and that they |
| important. A helmet should also be used | | | | know all safety rules will minimize the |
| all the time when skateboarding. Head | | | | injury risks associated with |
| injuries are very common and most severe | | | | skateboarding. |
| head trauma can be eliminated with the | | | | |