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Bonfire night can be great fun but also poses dangers to children – especially in ‘lockdown England‘ where home-based bonfires and firework displays are likely to become the norm.

According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust, more than 550 children under 16 are taken to A&E in the weeks surrounding Bonfire Night.

How do you ensure children stay safe around fireworks? This blog post explains.

Top tips for staying safe around bonfires

Serious burns sometimes occur near fire pits, for example when a child gets too close trying to keep warm.

  • You and your child should stand back at a safe distance from the fire.
  • Children should never attempt to help you to light the bonfire. Due to their unpredictability, bonfires can be extremely dangerous.

Top tips for staying safe around fireworks

  • Your child should not “help out” with your fireworks display.
  • Your child should never touch, throw, play with or light fireworks.
  • When you’re watching the firework displays, stand well back from fireworks that have been lit, even if it has not gone off.
  • If you have any pets, ensure they are kept indoors.

Top tips for staying safe around sparklers

  • You or your child should wear gloves while holding sparklers.
  • You (or another adult) should be present when sparklers are lit.
  • Keep a bucket of sand or water handy to put the used sparkler in.
  • Have a discussion with your child abut not touching the lit end of the sparkler.
  • Ensure the child keeps the sparkler away from their face, clothes or other people.
  • You shouldn’t let children under aged 5 handle the sparkler. 

Anti-social behaviour on Bonfire Night

Anti-social behaviour associated with the firework period has become a major issue for many communities in the UK.

According to NDML:

Bonfire Night, and the nights running up to it, are traditionally some of the busiest nights of the year for the police, the fire brigade and other agencies. The anti-social use of fireworks and the resultant damage which can be caused to property is a serious concern, posing a threat to all types of buildings, including commercial and industrial premises, and to business continuity.

EDClass can help to improve behaviour

EDClass has a proven track record of improving behaviour of students.

Originally set up to cater for 34 students at risk of permanent exclusion, the online platform has gone from strength-to-strength to help children with behavioural needs.

The platform is designed to re-engage students in education with a range of fun and exciting learning activities.

An expansive bank of behaviour lessons are designed to improve student behaviour.

For more information call 01909 568 338 to get in touch with a member of our team.