Policy context

Injury is a leading cause of child deaths and a major cause of hospitalisation.¹ Children are vulnerable to certain types of injuries depending on their age, reflecting their stage of development. Very young children face an increased vulnerability to injuries since they lack the capacity to effectively assess risks associated with new activities and avoid potential hazards. In the case of older children, injuries are increasingly influenced not only by their physical and social environment but also by risk-taking behaviours.²

Injury death and disability can be prevented by identifying and removing the causes or reducing children’s exposure to them. Recognising the impact of injury on children, a new National Injury Prevention Strategy is being developed to reduce the risk of injury for children.³