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Check out these gnarly skateboarding tips!

Posted
Girl skateboarding

Kids love wheels. And they love their freedom. Today's skateboards, hoverboards and Rollerblades are ways for kids to zip around — and get some exercise. But when kids roll around fast, injuries are bound to happen.

SAFETY TIPS:

  • Always wear protective gear: helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads.
  • Make sure the helmet fits snugly on your child’s head. The rim of the helmet should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows. Make sure the straps of the helmet form a V under the ears when buckled. The helmet should not be so tight that you can’t open and close your mouth.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children younger than 5 years old should not ride a skateboard.
  • Children should skate on smooth, dry surfaces in a well-lit area away from traffic. Areas set aside in public parks are ideal.
  • Teach your child to routinely check skates and boards for loose or broken parts.
  • Teach your child to minimize the impact of a fall by crouching down when they lose balance to reduce the distance to the ground.
SOURCES:

• Safe Kids Worldwide

• American Academy of Pediatrics

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