The Reasons

To try to reduce the shocking numbers of accidents involving children.

The statistics speak for themselves:

ACCIDENTS - The facts

• 256 children an hour are taken to hospitals following accidents. At least 700 will die and 10,000 will be left disabled. Annually, 30,000 children are chemically poisoned and 3,500 under 5 year olds are seriously scalded
• Where? Almost half of those accidents - that's a million each year - occur in the home. Around 40,000 occur on the roads.
• Why? Children are impulsive, adventurous and keen to explore. What's more, they often don't know any better.

SMOKING - The facts

• 450 children start smoking each day - some as young as 5 years old. A third of those young smokers will die prematurely as a result of their habit.
• Where? Throughout the UK, out of the sight of teachers and parents.
• Why? Children are inquisitive, keen to impress and easily influenced by peer pressure. What's more, they rarely know the full facts about smoking.

DRUGS - The facts

• 3% of children use cocaine or heroin. A surprising number of primary school children are addicted to heroin, and by the age of 14 three per cent of children will have tried cocaine.
• Where? All across the country, away from prying eyes.
• Why? Children want to broaden their horizons and earn the respect of their peers. What's more, they rarely know the full facts about drugs.
• 20,000 children are excluded from school for misuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco

ALCOHOL - The facts

• Each year 1,000 young people under the age of 15 need emergency treatment for alcohol poisoning.
• Where? Children start drinking on every street corner of every town, well out of sight of their carers.
• Why? Children think drinking is a 'big', 'grown-up' pastime that earns peer respect. What's more, they rarely know the full facts about alcohol.

FIRE - The facts

• Each year there are in excess of 50,000 home fires in the UK. These account for 46% of all child accident fatalities.
• Where? In any home, in any town.
• Why? People are careless. They leave pans unattended and they don't dispose of smoking materials correctly. What's more, they rarely know the full facts about fire.

Cruelty and abduction - The facts

• Every year 2,600 are victims of serious cases of cruelty and neglect 577 children are abducted.
• Where? Anywhere.
• Why?

Sources: D.T.I., R.O.S.P.A., Central Statistics Office, Home Office