Introduction
Childhood injuries, particularly unintentional (accidental) injuries, are a major public health issue and remain one of the leading causes of death, hospital admission and long‑term disability among children and young people in the UK. Common causes include falls, burns and scalds, poisoning, drowning, suffocation and road traffic incidents, with risks varying by age and environment 1,2.
In England and Wales alone, there were over 45,000 hospital admissions for non‑intentional injuries among children under five in 2018/19, highlighting the substantial burden on health services. National Child Mortality Database data show that injuries have been the leading cause of avoidable death for children and young people for over two decades, with the highest risks seen in infants and older adolescents1, 3, 4.
The consequences of childhood injury extend beyond the immediate physical harm. Many children experience long‑term physical impairment, ongoing pain, or delayed recovery, particularly following serious or traumatic injuries. Injuries can also significantly affect mental health and emotional wellbeing, with children and parents reporting anxiety, post‑traumatic stress symptoms, and reduced quality of life after injury events. Time away from education, reduced social participation, and impacts on family functioning can further compound these effects5.
Importantly, childhood injuries are not evenly distributed across the population. Children living in the most deprived areas of England experience around 40% higher rates of hospital admission for unintentional injury compared with those in the least deprived areas, reinforcing injury as both a health and inequality issue1.
Childhood injuries place a substantial financial burden on the NHS, local authorities, families and the wider economy. NHS treatment costs for childhood injuries vary by severity, but admissions lasting two or more days cost the NHS around £2,600–£3,000 per child, with additional costs incurred through emergency department attendances and follow‑up care. Families may also face out‑of‑pocket expenses, lost income, and increased caring responsibilities following a child’s injury6.
Evidence shows that preventive interventions are effective and cost‑effective. National programmes such as the Safe At Home scheme have demonstrated reductions in injury‑related hospital admissions, with a proportion of programme costs offset by savings to the NHS7.
Other JSNA topics this topic closely linked to:
- Children in Need
- Children who Offend
- Crime
- Domestic Abuse
- Emergency Hospital Admissions
- Falls
- Housing
- Looked After Children
- Poverty
- Young People's Mental Health