About 30% of children's injuries happen at school, insurer's data shows
Insurance data from BTA shows nearly a third of children's accidents occur at school, prompting experts to urge parents to revisit safety rules with kids at the start of the school year. A psychologist stresses hands-on practice for younger children and treating teenagers as equal partners in the conversation.
As the new school year begins, insurer BTA's claims data shows that close to 30% of registered children's accidents happen in a school setting, making early autumn a good time for families to revisit safety habits. Most injuries occur during physical education classes, breaks, sports training, extracurricular activities, in shared school spaces, and on the way to and from school.
Over the past three years, BTA has paid out more than 370,500 euros in claims related to children's injuries, with the amount rising each year — last year's payouts exceeded 144,000 euros. Most of this covered pain and suffering compensation, a portion went toward medical costs, and a smaller share was paid under supplementary insurance coverage. Children aged 7 to 12 are affected most often, typically suffering fractures, sprains, and other ligament or muscle injuries.
Guidance for younger children
A clinical psychologist from the Children's Clinical University Hospital notes that younger children learn safety best through practice and by observing adults, not just by being told rules. Parents are encouraged to walk the route to school together, discuss safe street crossing, remind children not to use phones or headphones while walking, and gradually grant more independence — first doing things together, then supervising before letting children act on their own. Mistakes should be treated as learning opportunities rather than used to scare children, with a friendly but clear tone around non-negotiable rules.
Treating teenagers as equals
For teenagers, peer influence plays a major role, so parents should help them learn to recognize risky situations and think through consequences themselves, avoiding lecturing. Discussing concrete scenarios together and agreeing in advance on a backup plan for unexpected situations is recommended.
Particular attention should go to using protective helmets and other safety gear, both during school activities and outside of them. Data from the Children's Hospital shows that in the first half of 2026, several hundred children were hospitalized with injuries from cycling and scootering.
