TOPIC 37: Safety and Injury Prevention (Adolescents) – Provide anticipatory guidance regarding safety and injury prevention for adolescents
OFFICIAL ABP TOPIC:
Provide anticipatory guidance regarding safety and injury prevention for adolescents
BACKGROUND
Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for adolescents, so anticipatory guidance on safety and injury prevention is important during adolescent health supervision visits. Pediatricians should provide guidance and promote safe behaviors to protect adolescent patients.
ANTICIPATORY GUIDANCE FOR ADOLESCENTS
All Ages
- Sun Safety: Use sunscreen, hats, UV-protective clothing; limit midday sun exposure; balance UV protection with vitamin D needs for bone health.
- Resisting Peer Pressure: Choose friends who support healthy choices; practice refusal skills.
Early Adolescence (11–14 Years)
- Substance Use: Advise against smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs; provide strategies to resist peer pressure.
- Vehicle Safety: Promote consistent seat belt use.
- Recreational Safety: Encourage helmet use for biking and skating; promote life jacket use; discourage ATV use.
- Interpersonal Safety: Teach healthy conflict resolution; encourage walking away from anger.
Middle Adolescence (15–17 Years)
- Driving Safety: Promote safe habits (seat belts, no texting, limit passengers); plan for sober rides; use motorcycle/ATV helmets.
- Substance Use: Reinforce avoiding alcohol and drugs; warn against prescription drug misuse and sharing.
- Recreational Safety: Encourage helmets and protective gear for sports and life jackets during water sports.
- Dating Safety: Discuss respectful, non-violent relationships.
- Acoustic Trauma Prevention: Advise keeping volume down; use ear protection around loud noise at home, work, or concerts.
Late Adolescence (18–21 Years)
- Vehicle Safety: Reinforce sober driving habits; always use seat belts and helmets.
- Alcohol Safety: Discuss avoiding binge drinking and alcohol poisoning; plan for safe rides when impaired.
- Independent Living: Review fire safety, carbon monoxide detectors; discuss firearm storage.
- Acoustic Trauma Prevention: Advise keeping earbud volume down; use ear protection around loud noise.
ANTICIPATORY GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS OF ADOLESCENTS
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GUIDANCE |
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Substance Use |
– Lock up alcohol and prescription medications. – Model responsible behavior and discuss substance risks openly. |
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Driving Safety |
– Set rules for driving (e.g., no passengers, no texting, no driving at night). – Enforce seat belt use for all vehicle occupants. – Discuss how to avoid risky situations and who to call if your teen feels unsafe. |
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Conflict Resolution |
– Teach and model non-violent communication. – Discuss walking away from heated situations. |
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Firearm Safety |
– Ensure firearms are stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition. – Regularly check storage practices. |
REFERENCES
https://njaap.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Adolescence-Guidance-11-21-years-Bright-Futures.pdf
https://www.pbrlinks.com/moca2025-aap-11-14-patient
https://www.pbrlinks.com/moca2025-aap-11-14-parent