As Scottish Child Health Week begins next week, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families across Scotland to take immediate steps to protect their children from three significant but often overlooked household hazards: blind cords, small magnets, and stair gates.
Philip Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, warns: “Blind cords, small magnets, and stair gates can pose serious risks to young children, and tragically, they have caused fatalities, so we’re calling on all parents and caregivers to take action now.
“Securing blind cords out of reach, storing small magnets safely, and ensuring stair gates are properly installed and used could prevent these potential disasters.”
Blind Cord Safety
Blind cords are a hidden but deadly hazard in many homes. Since 2001, over 30 young children in the UK have died as a result of becoming entangled in blind cords. These cords, which are often within easy reach of toddlers, can lead to strangulation within seconds.
“To prevent such tragedies, it’s crucial to keep all blind cords out of children’s reach,” advises Philip.
“This can be done by tying them up, using a cord safety device, or choosing blinds with built-in safety features like tensioned or cordless designs. Additionally, parents should regularly check that cords are securely fastened and never leave furniture that children can climb on near windows with blinds.”
Magnet Safety
Small, powerful magnets, particularly those used in toys, can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. These magnets can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, leading to serious injuries such as blockages, perforations, and even death.
“Even one loose magnet can pose a severe threat if ingested,” says Le Shirley.
“Parents should be vigilant about inspecting toys for loose or missing magnets, especially in toys designed for older children that may still be accessible to younger siblings. It’s also important to keep small magnetic items like fridge magnets, building kits, and certain household tools well out of reach of young children. If you suspect a child has swallowed a magnet, seek immediate medical attention—don’t wait for symptoms to appear.”
Stair Gate Safety
Stair gates are essential safety devices for children under 24 months old, to prevent dangerous falls. However, they can only protect if installed and used correctly.
“A stair gate that is improperly installed or left open is essentially useless,” Philip emphasises. “Ensure that gates are securely mounted at the top and bottom of stairs or at the entrance to rooms and that they fit tightly without gaps. Pressure-mounted gates should not be used at the top of stairs due to the risk of displacement.
“It’s also important to teach older children and visitors how to operate the gate correctly to ensure it remains closed when needed. Regularly check the gates for signs of wear, such as loose fittings or weakened locking mechanisms, and replace them if necessary.”
RoSPA remains dedicated to reducing accidents in the home and raising awareness of these preventable dangers. For more detailed advice on keeping your children safe, visit RoSPA’s website.