The Shanghai Children's Medical Center provided child accident prevention tips to residents, especially migrants, in Pudong New Area Saturday.

About 30 children and their parents attended the lecture.

"Holidays are a peak time for accidents since children are often at home alone," said Xia Lin, a hospital official. "We hope to make parents aware and teach them ways to protect children from unintentional injuries."

Experts said that unintentional injuries have become the leading cause for child deaths worldwide.

A December report issued by local authorities showed 26.1 percent of child deaths result from accidents. The top-five causes are drowning, traffic accidents, toxic substances, falls and choking.

Home is the most likely place for an accident to occur at 43 percent. It was followed by school, sports venues and trips to or from school.

"Our hospital has admitted 1,225 children who had unintentional injuries from January to June. Fifteen of them died," Xia said.

During the lecture, experts explained how accidents take place and methods needed to prevent such mishaps.

They also demonstrated first aid methods and provided basic medical education.

Children from migrant families comprise a large proportion of the injured, therefore the hospital focused on inviting parents from other provinces to join the lecture.

Dr Lu Xiwen said too many migrant children are getting injured.

"Over half of the injuries are from migrant families," Lu said. "Such parents lack awareness and knowledge on accident prevention. Their poor financial condition may also be a factor."

(eastday.com August 8, 2004)