Child Injured By TV Every 30 Seconds

Most homes around the country, including those in Manayunk and Roxborough, include at least one, if not more television.

The quality of television programming is a frequent topic for parents and researchers, but the actual television can pose even more of a danger.

More than 17,000 children are treated for TV-related injuries in emergency rooms around the U.S. every year, according to a study in the August 2013 issue of Pediatrics (published online July 22), “Television-Related Injuries to Children in the United States, 1990-2011.”

“My cousins baby pulled the TV down off of the table and crushed her. By the grace of God she is ok today and has very little implications if any at all,” Bethany Henry posted to Media Patch’s Facebook page.

The study found that children younger than 5 represented 64.3 percent of all injured patients.

Anchoring televisions and furniture can make sure they don’t fall and injure anyone. The study pushed for safety anchors and anti-tip devices be provided with TVs and that manufacturers redesign TVs for greater stability.

"The straps for flat screen tv are very reasonable on Amazon and easy to install. I recommend them for all parents!" Alyssa Rae posted to the Roxborough-Manayunk Patch Facebook page.

Anchors and other securing devices are available at most electronic stores, among others.