Children on balance wheels must be monitored

The death of a six-year-old boy while using a smart balance wheel in Abu Dhabi highlights the need for greater parental attention towards these modern devices of convenience. Primarily a draw for youngsters, smart balance wheels are the kind of recreation tool that, however, comes at a price — the chances of being injured, or worse, are high. And the fact that the use of these devices is becoming increasingly rampant in undesignated areas such as busy thoroughfares and public spaces is adding to the problem.

It is imperative that parents take cognizance of how and where their children use such devices. Much like any contraption that involves speed and motion, smart balance wheels are also governed by safety rules that include usage only in safe, designated areas, compulsive wearing of protective gear and most important, the correct way of riding these boards. Many of the injuries reported among children who ride these wheels are due to not following these rules. Parents must support the UAE authorities’ concern for child safety by ensuring that their child’s choice of leisure and fun is within the precincts of safety and sensibility.