611 W. Union Street
Benson, AZ 85602
(520) 586-0800

NurseWise 24-Hour Crisis Line
1-866-495-6735



SEABHS
611 W. Union Street
Benson, AZ 85602
(520) 586-0800

NurseWise 24-Hr Crisis Line
1-866-495-6735


powered by centersite dot net
Child & Adolescent Development: Overview
Resources
Basic InformationMore InformationLatest News
Blood Test Might Predict Type 1 Diabetes in Children, Study FindsCommon Childhood Vaccine Won't Worsen Juvenile Arthritis: StudyBPA Exposure Tied to Undescended Testicles in BoysSibling Bullying Can Lead to Depression, Anxiety in VictimsHealthy and Less Healthy 'Kid's Menu' Meals Similar in PriceHealth Tip: Protect Kids' EyesEarly, Severe Flu Season Caused Big Rise in Child Deaths: CDCTV Commercials May Spur Junk Food Habit in Kids, Study FindsUSPSTF: Evidence Lacking for Child Abuse Preventive EffortsMany Families in Underserved Areas Access, Use TechnologyCutting Unneeded CT Scans in Kids Could Lower Future Cancer RiskFlu Shots at School Boost Vaccination Rates, Study FindsKids With Past Concussions Take Longer to RecoverSummer Camp Health Tips for ParentsDrowning Prevention Measures to Keep Kids Safe in WaterHealth Tip: Get Your Child to the Eye DoctorHealth Tip: Choosing Your Child's PediatricianHealth Tip: Keep Kids Active During Summer BreakWhooping Cough Cases Rise as Parents Opt Out of VaccineMore Kids Being Poisoned by Prescription Drugs: StudyWebsite All About Child Health -- in SpanishWith Legalization, Marijuana Poisoning Up in YouthScientists Spot Genes Tied to Success at School, CollegeHealth Tip: Help Kids With Diabetes Deal With ShotsMissed Well-Child Care Visits Linked to More HospitalizationsA Strong Marriage Can Shield Kids From Dad's Depression: StudyPediatricians Can Aid Children Exposed to Military DeploymentWomen's Weight-Loss Surgery May Benefit Later OffspringMilitary Families May Need Help With Mental HealthType 2 Diabetes Progresses Faster in Kids, Study FindsToo Few Kids Use Fast-Food Calorie Info, Study FindsIodine Deficiency Has Negative Impact on Child CognitionChildren Who Have CT Scans May Face Higher Cancer RiskATS: Adenotonsillectomy Offers Relief to Kids With Sleep ApneaWeather Worries Can Threaten a Child's Mental HealthPrimary Care Docs Should Play Role in Kids' Dental Health, Experts SayStudy: Older Whooping Cough Vaccine More EffectiveHealth Tip: Help Children Eat Healthier1 in 5 U.S. Kids Has a Mental Health Disorder: CDCSchool-Based Smoking Prevention Programs WorkBrain Anatomy in Dyslexics Varies By Gender, Study FindsEven Mild Iodine Deficiency Can Affect Child's CognitionMany U.S. Kids Victims of Violence, Abuse: SurveyKids' Reading, Math Skills Tied to Future SuccessMore Time in Gym Class Equals Stronger KidsMagnesium-Rich Food May Help Keep Kids' Bones StrongGasoline Poisonings in Kids Spike During Summer: StudyPAS: Children With Strep Don't Need to Toss ToothbrushesMany Parents Texting, Phoning While Driving Their Kids: SurveyMany Suicidal Kids Have Access to Guns at Home: Study
Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews
Related Topics

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Childhood Mental Disorders and Illnesses
Parenting
Child Care
Child Development and Parenting: Infants
Child Development and Parenting: Early Childhood

Keeping Kids Safe on Roller Coasters and Other Thrill Rides

HealthDay News
by -- Mary Elizabeth Dallas
Updated: Jul 5th 2012

new article illustration

THURSDAY July 5 (HealthDay News) -- This summer, thrill-seekers will test their bravery on extreme roller-coaster rides -- twisting, flipping and spinning, all while trying to keep their lunch down.

Although the height and speed of roller coasters can look scary, amusement-park rides aren't dangerous as long as people follow the rules, said Kathryn Woodcock, an amusement-ride expert at Ryerson University in Toronto.

To keep kids safe, Woodcock offers up these safety tips:

  • Height requirements for amusement-park rides are intended to weed out children who are too young to enjoy the ride or who don't have the muscle strength needed to withstand its forces. Even if a child meets the height requirements, parents should exercise caution and determine if the ride is really suitable for their child.
  • Make sure a ride's lap bar secures children, particularly if they are slim or tall for their age.
  • Adults accompanying children on rides should pay close attention to the child they are supervising. Make sure any companion chosen to ride with a child is capable of handling an emergency situation.
  • Listen to ride operators and adhere to their rules. Children who are placed on rides that are too mature for them could panic and try to exit the ride before it's over. They also may feel traumatized when the ride is over.
  • Pay attention to the condition of the rides. If lap bars do not latch properly or if brakes are not holding well, alert the ride's operator or one of the park's guest-relations professionals immediately.
  • Be particularly careful about inflatable slides and bouncy castles, which can result in sprains and fractures. Check to make sure they are adequately supervised, properly installed and secured to the ground.

Parents also should teach children to exercise caution when riding amusement-park rides, including following the rules even if friends are encouraging them to do otherwise, reading all posted signs and avoiding trying to make dull rides more exciting by engaging in risky behavior, Woodcock said.

More information

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions provides more amusement-ride safety tips.