Super Bowl Parties: Prevent TV Tip-Overs

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Super Bowl XLVIII is only a couple of days away and many families across the country are gearing up for game day celebrations.

Because TVs will be such a large part of the festivities this weekend, the doctors in the Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center wanted to discuss the injury risks associated with TVs and share some steps that adults can take to keep kids safe this weekend and throughout the year.

A study published in the August 2013 issue of Pediatrics found that more than 17,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency departments each year for a television-related injury – approximately one child every 30 minutes.

The study found that children under 5 represented the majority of injured patients and nearly three quarters of those injuries are caused by TVs falling onto the child. In almost half of the cases studied, the television fell from a dresser or armoire and about 30 percent fell from an entertainment center or TV stand.

TVs of all sizes are potential hazards, but big screens and older style “box TVs” are of particular concern because they are so heavy. Newer flat screen TVs can also be top heavy and unsteady on their base, making them easier to tip.

The cords on all TVs can also be a problem, as children can pull on the cord causing the TV to fall on top of them.

The doctors give the following tips to help prevent TV tip-overs:

1. Place TVs on low, stable pieces of furniture
2. Install safety anchors or anti-tip devices on every TV that is not mounted to a wall
3. Do not put remote controls or toys on top of TVs – lessening the chances that a child will try to climb and reach them.
4. Keep cords out of reach so the child can’t pull on them
5. Recycle any old TVs that you are no longer using

The doctors encourage all adults to make sure that TVs are all placed properly and safely secured. A few minutes and some anchors can help keep kids out of the emergency department!

About Cincinnati Children’s

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center ranks third in the nation among all Honor Roll hospitals in U.S. News and World Report’s 2013 Best Children’s Hospitals ranking. It is ranked #1 for cancer and in the top 10 for nine of 10 pediatric specialties. Cincinnati Children’s, a non-profit organization, is one of the top three recipients of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health, and a research and teaching affiliate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The medical center is internationally recognized for improving child health and transforming delivery of care through fully integrated, globally recognized research, education and innovation. Additional information can be found at www.cincinnatichildrens.org. Connect on the Cincinnati Children’s blog, via Facebook and on Twitter.