Rentals unsafe for toddlers: Report

The Growing Up In New Zealand longitudinal study of 7000 children has released research into household safety.

It found 28% of privately-owned rental properties did not have working smoke alarms, 43% did not have fully fenced or separate driveways and 28% did not have a fenced play area for young children.

“By the age of two years, 28% of the Growing Up in New Zealand children had sustained an injury that required a doctor or hospital visit, with 69% of these injuries occurring in the child’s own home,” said senior research fellow Sarah Berry. “Home is where children spend most of their time during their early years, so it is a good place to focus our attention if we want to create safe environments for children to grow up in.”

Of the injuries that occurred at home, the most common injury type was a knock to the head without losing consciousness (38%), followed by cuts needing stitches or glue (10%), broken or fractured bones (10%), injuries to the mouth or teeth (10%), and burns or scalds (9%).

Berry said the statistics showed there was room for improvement in New Zealand homes, especially for families living in private rental accommodation.

“It is likely that the number of families who rent, rather than own their home, will continue to increase. A Warrant of Fitness scheme for rental homes could be one way to encourage property owners to become more aware of household safety needs for young children, particularly with regard to driveway safety and fenced play areas. Providing safe, affordable and secure housing for all New Zealand families must become a priority.”