Ever try to get your children to wear bike helmets? They cry, “Johnny and Sara said helmets are for nerds!” And you respond, “I don't care what Johnny and Sara say. You'll do as I say!” This tactic usually fails, of course. It didn't work when your parents said that to you, did it?

Today, wearing a helmet is vital to your child's safety. Each year, bike-related accidents injure about 350, 000 children age 14 and under. Many suffer head injuries; bike helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by 85 percent. Yet, peer pressure can be a safety risk for children. Experts say children begin to care more about their friends' opinions than their parents' as early as the second grade. A child may refuse to wear a helmet if friends don't, or if they think wearing a bike helmet is not “cool.”

How can a safety-conscious parent deal with this kind of peer pressure? The National SAFE KIDS Campaign provides some suggestions for parents. You can encourage helmet use before “being cool” matters. Some experts suggest putting helmets on children when they begin riding tricycles. If children get used to wearing helmets before age seven, they may find them more acceptable later. It is also important for you to set a good example. The example of parents strongly influences children. You can set a household rule that applies to everyone: If you ride a bicycle, you wear a helmet. In addition, you can promote bicycle helmet use among other parents. Educate other parents about how helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries. This will reduce peer pressure by making rules consistent from household to household.

Every time your children ride a bicycle, ask them to wear helmets, even if it is a five-minute ride. It is your responsibility as a parent. Take a stand when peer pressure is working against you. Be firm. Make it clear that if your children do not wear helmets, they cannot ride their bicycles.

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