by Dianze Robinson

Created on: June 14, 2008

How safe is your child's playground? Whether we're talking about a playground in the park, at home or school, the first safety tip is always: NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED! I can't emphasize that enough. Now that I've gotten that out the way, let's go on to safe checking the playground and building a safety net around your child.
Always take a look around your child's play area. Things that look safe may be just enough security for a kidnapper to cause another Amber alert. Are there areas that you wouldn't venture to because they don't look clean or inviting, such as dumpsters, piles of discarded items, large outdoor equipment, patches of unattended greenery, abandoned buildings or parked and abandoned cars in close proximity. Remember if it looks unsafe, and you get a funny feeling, pay attention to what your gut instincts are trying to say to you; After all this may not be a place where your child should be playing even if it is the only playground in your area because this could be a haven for child predators.

Don't take anything for granted. Little things such as improperly placed equipment can be an accident waiting to happen. It is up to the parent to insure the child's playground experience is as happy and rewarding as possible.
These safety tips will insure you and your child have a happy experience at any playground.
1. For school's, always check the school's playground for fencing. If there is no fencing ask questions like why not and when? If there is a budget problem, then how many staff is on duty at any given time during recess. Where is the school staff members usually positioned? Can the staff see a wondering child who may venture to the side of the building and away from the staff's sight? The answers to these questions are best answered by you. Take time out and stop by the school during recess.
2. How old is the playground equipment? Rusting play toys are a potential hazard, such as swings, slides and what use to be referred to as the monkey bars. Rust will lead to damaged metal which a child can easily be punctured by. A small wound can lead to a big doctor bill, so make sure all playground equipment is rust proof. As a parent it is not beyond the call of duty to check out the equipment for loose screws and broken parts that others may not be aware of. Believe me when I say no one loves your child more than you, and there is a little known thing called neglect in schools and parks. Just one staff member not speaking up about equipment damage is putting your child in harms way. Neglect to say will lead to reflect to pay (the doctor that is).
3. If you let your child go a playground with someone else, always ask question like where they're going and where the playground is located. . If it is a community playground area, you are your child's best resource. Know where the playground leads to, and the surrounding community. Don't think that a community is unsafe because it is a poor area or that is safe because it is a well to do area. The truth is a child predator is just looking for a child, and your child could be his next target at any playground, and unsafe equipment can become the burden of any parent.
4. If you've taught your child about not speaking to strangers who walk alone, or strangers with their pets on a lease, and have established that secret password then there is one other predator left that your child should be taught about on playgrounds and that is the stray dog. Remember to teach your children to keep a safe distance away from stray dogs in any area. All stray dogs are not your child's best friend

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