Teenage Holiday Claims on the Increase

Accident Prevention Charities have expressed concern for the safety of teenagers who travel abroad with their friends. Teenagers often travel with little planning, or many safety precautions.

Statistically, young adults take part in more 'risk taking' activities, from extreme sports to heavy drinking. Letting your hair down after a hard exam season is a great way to unwind, and many parents want to encourage their teenager’s independence by allowing them to holiday alone. Parents can help their teenagers stay safe on their holidays abroad by teaching them these common dangers and safety tips:

3 Causes of Teenage Holiday Claims:

1. Binge Drinking

Many teenagers binge drink when abroad for the first time with their friends, even if they don't drink at home. 45% of young people admit to 'drinking too much' when away from home for the first time.

Inexperienced drinkers are the most at risk. They are in an unfamiliar place, experiencing severe intoxication for the first time, and often in high temperatures. Teenagers are more at risk from trips and falls, accidental injury and more likely to be victims of crime.

Drink related holiday accidents are the most common risk for teenagers abroad. If your child isn't used to alcohol, talk them through the effects of drink and warn them of the dangers. They might seem obvious to you, but teenagers can be very innocent underneath all their scowling.

2. Water Danger

Swimming pools, sandy beaches and water parks are all places that teenagers love to hang out, but they are filled with danger. Without parents to watch over them, but not fully mature: teenagers are in particular danger. Trips and falls are the most common cause of injury (increased when teens have been drinking) but concussion; broken and drowning can be the tragic results of teenagers finding themselves in trouble whilst in the water.

3. Sun Exposure

80 per cent of teens have admitted to 'not wearing sun cream when exposed to the sun' yet teenage skin is prone to burning, and sunburn can cause serious health complications. Parents can help by buying the correct sun products for their teenager, and talking to them about the consequences of skin cancer.

Teenage holidays are a good way to encourage independence and can help your child form important friendships. Reminding them that they are vulnerable, and how to keep safe, should reduce the risk of their big adventure ending in a pile of holiday claims.