Canada needs child and youth injury prevention strategy

OTTAWA – Injury is the leading cause of death for Canadian children and youth, yet measures for prevention and control are underfunded and under-recognized, according to a new statement from the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS).

The CPS is calling on all levels of government to develop an injury prevention strategy that addresses the disproportionate risks of injury to vulnerable populations across Canada.

“Serious injuries are a risk to children nationwide and cannot be deemed 'accidents,'” said Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, chair of the CPS Injury Prevention committee. “They are predictable events that can be prevented with the right systems in place.”

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children and youth age 1 to 19 years. Between 2020 and 2024, almost 400 children and youth each year have died from injuries. Social determinants of health, such as family income, housing quality and geographic location, cause disparities and differences in injuries. Children from lower-income families experience higher overall injury rates.

Evolving risks, such as emerging micromobility devices like electric scooters and bikes, emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance and responsive prevention to address new threats. Data from a recent Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) survey highlights a rise in severe injuries and deaths linked to e-scooters and e-bikes.

The survey, co-led by Drs. Amir Wachtel, Amy Acker, Suzanne Beno and Daniel Rosenfield, found 57 cases of severe injury related to these devices in 2025. Pediatricians reported 10 deaths among children under 18 years, as well as 12 admissions to an intensive care unit and 26 prolonged hospitalizations. Head injuries were most common, and about one-third of the cases required surgery.

“We need to shift our focus upstream and prevent serious injuries in the community rather than treating them after they occur,” Dr. Rosenfield said. “Importantly, creating safer environments does not mean eliminating risk from childhood. Children benefit from opportunities to explore, challenge themselves, and engage in active outdoor play.”

The CPS is calling on federal, provincial and territorial governments to invest in a pan-Canadian child injury prevention strategy, that includes policy coordination, surveillance, research, public education and social marketing.

The CPS agrees with recommendations to eliminate the term “accident” from all medical codes, communications and clinical speech to reinforce the preventable nature of injury. Terms like “injury,” “collision” or “event” are more accurate and reflect the modifiable and preventable nature of most injuries. 

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