From the Winton programme for the public understanding of risk at my alma mater comes this post from David Spiegelhalter highlighting an excellent new report in the UK about the risks and benefits of kids undertaking outdoor adventure programmes. It certainly puts to rest a few negative myths about the sort of “adventure training” that I took part in when I was at school and which I think is extremely valuable for any child.
I particularly like this set of data:
Accidental deaths, children under 16, England and Wales, 2006
Road transport 114
Drowning/choking/suffocation 69
Fire/flames 24
Falls 16
Rail/Water/Air transport 4
Poisonings 4
Other accidents 33
TOTAL 264
Average fatalities per year
on activities during school visits 1
Whilst the focus is very much on the UK and its legal and educational system, the underlying message is clear: let the kids get out there and have fun!
Love numbers.
The percentages are probably more important here. I expect a vastly larger number of children/trip using transport than going on outings.
Thousand of people die each year on the roads but very few in space. I dont think anybody is going to argue that space travel is much more dangerous.
Still, I agree, get the kids out and let them experience something different.