Now, researchers in Canada have issued a similar warning, this time on the danger of toppling TV sets.
The study, published in the Journal of Neurosurgery Paediatrics, has suggested that more children than ever are being severely injured by these toppling TV sets, and most of these accidents could have been prevented.
One particularly alarming finding of the study showed that toddlers between the ages of one and three years are most at risk and can suffer potentially fatal neck and head injuries.
Commenting on the findings, lead author Dr Michael Cusimano said: “The numbers are going up. Between 2006 and 2008 there were 16,500 injuries, and between 2008 and 2010 there were 19,200. If you look at the sales of these TVs, there’s a parallel increase.”
Dr Cuisamo went on to urge parents to be vigilant and keep designated play areas away from where the TV is set up, and also to either mount the TV on the wall or secure it to the furniture it’s sitting on.
“Use proper furniture for the TV. Set it back so it’s not near the edge where its centre of gravity will make it unstable,” he added.
