Introduction

Children are too often injured and sometimes die as a result of hazards in their environment. Unintentional injury continues to be the greatest cause of mortality, morbidity and disability for children and youth in Canada.

This component is working to decrease the incidence of death and hospitalizations amongst children and youth in Canada through the development of resources for stakeholders. Areas of emphasis for 1999-2000 include: development of safe and healthy media images, integrating issues (eg. sun safety and environmental concerns, playgrounds), synthesis of relevant research for community mobilization and priority development for injury prevention (eg. economic costs study and community assessment tool, analysis of longitudinal surveys) and emerging environmental issues.

Keeping Our Children Safe

Children are more vulnerable to changes in their physical, emotional and social environments because of their rapid physical and mental health growth and smaller body size. The health and well-being of children depends on the safety and quality of their Physical/Natural Environments, Built Environments and Social Environments — at home, school and in the community. Children also need to be in environments which protect them from violence, abuse, exploitation, injuries and neglect.

Built Environments

The built environment has a major impact on the health and development of children. The built environment includes the buildings, parks, businesses, schools, road systems, and other infrastructures that children encounter in their daily lives. Children need protection and a safe physical environment. Protection from physical injuries is a