Magnetic safety (Child Accident Prevention Trust)
The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) warns that more than 300 children a year are rushed to A&E after swallowing magnets and one in ten needs life-saving surgery.
When strong magnets stick together inside the body, they can rip through a child’s gut, cutting off blood supply and causing life-threatening injuries. Even toddlers have needed hours of emergency surgery, and some children are left with lasting internal damage.
Magnets don’t just come in toys – they’re also found in jewellery kits, fridge magnets, puzzles, dartboards, fidget toys and desk gadgets. Worryingly, some magnets sold online are 17 times stronger than the UK safety limit.
In your setting:
- Visit the CAPT website and make use of their free information and resources
- Look around your setting, are there any magnet resources or products that could be dangerous and risk assess
- Raise awareness with your whole team on the dangers on magnets
- Share the information and raise awareness with parents and carers
Key messages:
- Buy only from trusted brands and retailers
- Be cautious with cheap copies and online marketplaces
- Keep magnets and products containing them out of children’s reach
- Shop with reputable retailers and check that toys are age appropriate
- Be extra careful for children under 3
- Keep older children’s magnets away from little children and store them in safe places
- Regularly check that magnets are securely embedded in the toy
- Dispose of toys if their magnets become loose
Find out more and download a free safety poster at: Magnets safety | Top tips to keep children safe
