What you need to know about TV safety
Every year many children are injured from furniture or appliances tipping onto them. Children are naturally inquisitive and will not always use furniture as it is intended – for example, they may use bookcases and shelves as a ladder to gain access to reach an item that is stored up high. It doesn’t take long for a curious toddler to climb onto a dresser drawer or a bookcase – sometimes with tragic consequences.
Children under five years of age are at greatest risk but tip-over injuries happen to older children and even adults. Young children are drawn to the sounds and motions of the “magic” screens and try to get as close as possible, even if it means climbing to do so. Older children are often “attached” to the TV by controllers when playing video games or they knock into the TV or furniture while playing nearby, causing the tip-over.
All dressers, bookcases, entertainment units, TV stands and TVs need to be securely anchored, usually into a wall stud. You can secure heavy furniture, TVs and appliances to a wall stud with braces, brackets, anchors or wall straps.
TV Wall Mount
A few simple safety measures can go a long way in making sure your little explorer doesn’t climb his or her way to an accident in your home.
A common misconception about the newer flat screen TVs is that they are much safer than the older CRT style TVs because they are lighter and thinner and therefore pose no risk. However, flat screen TVs still weigh enough to seriously injure or kill a toddler or young child.
It is highly recommended that flat screen TVs be mounted directly to the wall to eliminate the risk of the TV from toppling off its stand. Reasons WHY you should wall mount your TV:
- Improve Safety: TV tip-overs can be a serious risk in your home, especially if you have small children or pets.
- Save Space: If your one-inch wide flatscreen TV is sitting on an 18-inch wide table or stand, you’re wasting a lot of your precious living room real estate.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Mounting your flatscreen TV to the wall will give your home a more modern and sleep appearance.
- Performance: It maximises your TV’s viewing experience.
