The Christmas holiday season is a time when many new hazards to arise for children. These could be around the home, online or when you're out and about or visiting your local community/activity group.

The festive period is a special occasion. Your home or club will be a hub of all activity and it is in this franticness and excitement that accidents can happen. However the higher adult to child ratio supervision which may become possible at this time of year, may enable many dangers to be avoided.  

We have provided simple safety tips to help keep your festivities as safe as possible:

Online safety at Christmas

Remind children and young people to:

• Be extra careful not to give out personal infomation to people they don't know or to enter their bank details, full name, address, email, telephone number and any key password information on un-trusted websites.
• Take care when meeting someone they have only been in touch with online is can be extremely dangerous. Make sure their parents / carer are fully aware of what is happening. If they do decide to meet, they should never go alone. If you feel the online contact is inappropriate report to CEOP.
• Try and be more vigilant when accepting emails, opening files or using un-trusted web pages, which contain the following: viruses, spam, scams and inappropriate messages.
• Be wary about trusting someone online. They can be lying about who they are, what they have or what they can give. Information online/internet is not always reliable.
• Make sure they make someone aware if they have witnessed inappropriate content or someone has made them feel uncomfortable. Children and young people should inform their parents, carers or group leader. If you feel more serious action is needed contact CEOP.

Online gaming

This year, computer games which can be played on line, will be at the top of may Christmas wish lists. Consider the following before letting children play online at home or at your group premises:

• Do some homework about the games. Check what age group they are suitable for and whether the game has sex, violence, explicit language and anti-social behaviour within it.
• Help ensure privacy by advising your children never to give out any personal information whilst playing online.
• Be aware of cyberbullies.
• Make sure you child uses a suitable screen or charcater name (gamertag) Make sure it doesn't reveal any personal information.
• Set a time limit for playing the game.
• Check that children and young people are aware of how to report offenders, block and mute messages.

Christmas lights and decorations

Check you Christmas lights for frayed wires, faulty sockets and loose connections. If you have excess cable/wire make sure that it is fastened down with tape.

• Turn all your Christmas lights off when you go to bed, leave your club or go out for long periods, as leaving the lights can cause a fire.
• Avoid glass baubles as they break easily.
• Avoid having small decorations where young children can reach them, asthey can be a choking hazard. 
• If your are having candles lit at home or at your community group, make sure they are out of children's reach, and in non-flammable containers and that in won't fall over. Keep your candles away from your Christmas tree and decorations and always remember to blow them out once you are finished with them.
• Don't hang decorations from lights, heaters or to close to open fires as they can catch fire easily.

Toy safety at Christmas

• Try and buy toys from a recognised retail outlet,  in person or online.
• Make sure the toy you have purchased is suitable for the age of the child receiving. Be extra careful with toys for children under the age of three.
• Check the toys for loose, small, sharp and jagged parts, that may harm a child.
• Make sure you follow instructions for building toys and check the box or instructions for warnings that identify any hazards.

Safety symbols to look for when buying children's toys - 

 
'The Lion Mark'- Symbol introduced by The British Toy and Hobby Association is an easily recognisable icon to help consumers identify toys that have been classified as being safe for children to use.


Age warning - Logo is a age warning and means the toy is unsuitable for children 0-3 years old.



The CE Mark - This symbol, the CE Mark, together with the name and address of the supplier, is required by law to appear on all toys placed on the market in the European Union. The symbol is NOT a claim of quality or safety. 

Other festive safety considerations

• Interactive computer games such as Wii need sufficient space to play. Make sure the handheld controller is fastened to your wrist. 
• Christmas crackers can have small gifts inside them and may not be suitable for young children.
• Check the Safe Network information on organising safe events, for when you're arranging trips to pantomines and other day trips or a visiting santa's grotto
• Ensure you have parental consent for children appearing in plays or pantomines, going carol singing and Christmas outings.
• Check the groups or venues photography policy for taking pictures or videos of children in plays, pantomines or activities.
• Real Christmas trees shed there pine needles very easily. These can be easy to swallow and are extremely sharpe. If you have small children at home or at your group it maybe sensible to have a artificial tree instead.