School environments account for 30% of child injuries

School environments account for 30% of child injuries – what key safety guidelines should parents emphasize? 

According to claims data from BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (BTA), nearly 30 % of children’s accidents are recorded in the school environment. Therefore, as the new school year begins, it is essential for parents to discuss safety rules with their children once again, both at school and on the way there. Līga Būtnāre, a clinical psychologist at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS), points out that children learn from the behaviour of adults, and that younger children learn safety skills best by practising them together and observing the example set by adults. With teenagers, on the other hand, one should treat them as equals, teaching them to distinguish between serious risks and avoiding preaching.

Children most often sustain injuries during sports lessons, break times, training sessions and extracurricular clubs, in school communal areas, and on their way to and from school. In total, over the last three years, BTA has paid out more than 370,500 euros in insurance claims for children’s injuries, and the amount paid out is increasing every year. Last year, this figure exceeded 144,000 euros, of which approximately 93,000 euros was paid as compensation for pain and suffering, 44,000 euros to cover medical expenses, and 7,000 euros under the ‘Child’s Joy’ insurance cover.

Children should be given independence gradually – first by doing things together, then by supervising them and granting them independence

With the start of the new school year, September is the perfect time to review and refresh your kids’ knowledge on safety. As explained by Līga Būtnāre, a clinical psychologist and head of the advisory team at the Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Centre at the Children’s Hospital, it is important for adults to remember that simply telling children about safety is not enough. They learn safety skills best by practising them together and by witnessing the examples set by adults.

Therefore, when talking to younger children about safety, it is important to:
•    Walk the route to school together, discussing how to cross the road safely, at pedestrian crossings with and without traffic lights, and what other dangerous situations might arise on the road;
•    Teach safety in settings where the child will have to follow the rules, such as a playground or a skate park;
•    Remind them about distractions: when walking along the street, they must not listen to music through headphones or look at their phone, as this prevents them from being aware of their surroundings and noticing approaching cars in good time;
•    Grant your child independence gradually – initially practise safety principles together, then supervise them, and only later allow them to act independently;
•    Do not use the child’s mistakes as a means of intimidation in conversations – any setbacks they experience should be used as learning opportunities.

“Mistakes are also part of the learning process, so they can be discussed and used to help the child make safer decisions in the future. It is worth remembering that a friendly and accepting attitude can encourage a child to engage in such a conversation. If a parent is agitated and adopts a lecturing tone, the outcome will not be as positive. Similarly, when discussing safety, the focus should not be on scaring the child; however, at the same time, clear and sufficiently firm boundaries must be set, reminding them that there are rules which are important for our health and safety and on which we do not ‘compromise’ – for example, we always stop at a red light or wear a helmet,” says L. Būtnāre.

BTA data also shows that the majority of injuries – 47 % of cases – were sustained by schoolchildren aged between 7 and 12; these include various bone fractures, sprains, as well as ligament, tendon and muscle injuries.

“It is neither possible nor necessary to prevent children from taking part in physical activities but discussing simple safety principles within the family remains essential to minimise the risk of injury. At the same time, we must recognise that even if all precautionary measures are taken, it is impossible to avoid injuries entirely. It is no coincidence that an increasing number of parents are taking out accident insurance for their children, which helps to cover the costs associated with treatment and recovery,” says Ivo Danče, Director of the Claims Department at BTA Insurance and an insurance expert.

When discussing safety, teenagers should be treated as equals, and parents should avoid preaching

Peers, meanwhile, have a significant influence on teenagers, so it is essential for parents to help their child develop the ability to pause and think – this will be particularly important at times when the child is under peer pressure and may therefore become involved in risky behaviour.

Therefore, when discussing safety with a teenager, it is important to:
•    Allow the teenager to formulate their own opinion on what constitutes a risky situation and what the possible consequences might be. For example, discussing a situation where a friend suggests going for a ride on an electric scooter, and asking what could go wrong;
•    Help the teenager distinguish between sensible risk-taking and recklessness, which could result in serious injury. For example, trying out a new skateboarding trick whilst wearing a helmet and starting with the easiest level of difficulty is a controlled risk, whereas attempting a complicated trick on the stairs without a helmet is dangerous recklessness;
•    Discuss the influence of peer pressure and what to do in such situations to avoid getting into dangerous situations.
•    Come up with a ‘Plan B’ together – what to do if the situation develops differently than planned. For example, agree on who to call if a very dangerous situation begins to unfold or a friend is suddenly injured, etc.

“Taking risks during adolescence is natural – it is part of becoming aware of one’s abilities and limits. It is impossible to avoid risks entirely, but we can help young people distinguish between sensible risks and those that could have serious consequences. It is also worth thinking together about escape routes and fallback options – what to do if the situation does not go according to the best-case scenario,” says Līga Būtnāre.

The Children’s Hospital reminds us that special attention must be paid to the use of protective helmets

Safety equipment plays a vital role in reducing both the risk of injury and its potential consequences. Therefore, the use of appropriate protective equipment is important at any age, with particular attention being paid to protective helmets, which can protect against serious head injuries in the event of a fall or collision. Data compiled by the Children’s Hospital shows that in the first half of 2026, more than 400 children were admitted to hospital with injuries sustained whilst cycling, and 200 whilst using a scooter. Although this data does not relate solely to the school environment, it highlights the significance of active travel, sport and leisure activities in the overall picture of child injuries.

Appropriate protective equipment should therefore be worn not only during sports lessons, clubs and training sessions, when instructed by a teacher or coach, but also outside school. It is therefore also important for parents to ensure, in good time, that their children have reflectors, protective helmets, knee pads and other equipment that helps to prevent injuries.