Children aged 7 to 12 suffer the most injuries in the summer

As the summer school break approaches, children’s daily lives become more active – they spend more time playing sports, riding bicycles and scooters, as well as attending camps and playing in playgrounds. Data compiled by BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (hereinafter – BTA) shows that during the summer, children aged 7 to 12 are most likely to suffer injuries. Preschool-aged children are more likely to get injured on playgrounds, while children aged 7 to 12 are more likely to get injured while jumping on a trampoline or falling off a bicycle. Teenagers, on the other hand, are more likely to get injured during sports training, at summer camps, and while using micro-mobility devices. When it comes to injuries, doctors at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital particularly emphasize the danger of head injuries and the need to wear protective helmets. 

The nature of injuries sustained by children and their causes are directly linked to their level of independence and the leisure activities typical of their age group. Preschool-aged children most often sustain injuries in seemingly controlled environments – in the backyard or at public playgrounds. The most common injuries are soft tissue lacerations, deep cuts, and bruises sustained from falling off swings or slides. Often, the youngest children also suffer thermal burns when they come into contact with a hot backyard grill. 

In some cases, the injuries have been particularly severe – BTA has a case on record where a five-year-old child suffered a broken fibula and internal bleeding after falling from a scooter, requiring surgery. However, the highest-risk group in the summer is school-age children – approximately 40% of accident insurance claims are for injuries sustained by children aged 7 to 12. 

“At this age, children begin to enjoy their first taste of independence, playing in the yard and increasingly spending time alone without adult supervision. The main causes of injuries are careless jumping on a trampoline, falls from a bicycle, and self-organized sports activities, as well as playing soccer and basketball. For example, in one case, nine-year-old children playing basketball fell on top of each other, resulting in one of the players suffering a serious arm injury. “It’s no surprise that as summer vacation approaches, more and more parents are opting for accident insurance for their children,” says Ivo Danče, director of BTA Insurance Claims Department. 

In contrast, for teenagers, the main risk factors are more closely linked to sports training and summer camps – consequently, in reported accident insurance claims, alongside fractures, injuries such as sprains and dislocations are also frequently observed. Another significant risk area for teenagers is micromobility – electric scooters, kick scooters, and skateboards – where falls onto the pavement often result in severe head, facial, and dental injuries due to high speeds. 

"We are concerned not only about the more serious injuries children sustain while using micromobility devices. Every injury has consequences, whether short-term or long-term, but head injuries are especially dangerous! Not all injuries can be prevented, but wearing a helmet – which is mandatory until the age of majority – protects against severe head injuries. This is confirmed by numerous studies, and we also see in practice just how important helmets are. That is why specialists at the Children’s Hospital urge: “WEAR A HELMET!” explains Basels Jakubs Vahbe, Chief Physician at the Children’s Hospital’s Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery. 

To protect children, they should not be discouraged from playing sports or engaging in active leisure activities. However, it is essential for parents to recognize the moments when a child’s joy and excitement can turn into a serious risk. High speed, too many children jumping on a trampoline, a helmet left at home – these are all red flags! 

“Child safety must be approached holistically, ensuring not only the proper use of protective gear but also that the family has sufficient financial resources should an accident occur and the child require medical treatment – in this regard, it’s important to note that not all specialists are available to children without long wait times. Therefore, if there is no insurance, many medical expenses may have to be covered out of pocket. Similarly, during the summer break, safety rules should be discussed regularly with children, without allowing any exceptions. At the same time, parents must set a good example, for instance, by wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle and not allowing teenagers to use electric scooters,” urges insurance expert Ivo Danče.