< Arkansas Children's Blog

Top Three TV Tipping Injuries and How to Avoid

Published date: February 01, 2018

It’s almost Super Bowl Sunday, and whether you’re a fan of a particular team, or just a fan of the commercials, there’s a good chance you have plans to watch the game. For some, that also means installing a new TV for the big game.

In the United States, every three weeks a child dies from a TV tip-over injury. But how can you be sure that your TV is safe for smaller guests?

Common Reasons for TV Tip-Over Injuries

  • The TV is placed on furniture that is not designed to support a large, heavy object.
  • The TV or furniture is not secured to the wall.
  • The TV is placed in a bedroom or playroom where children may use them unsupervised.

Safety Tips

The good news: You can prevent these injuries in your home with some simple tools, straps or brackets, and a little of your time. Here’s what you need to know before your guests arrive this Sunday:

  • Anchor your TV - Although some TVs do not come with anchoring devices, you can find tools designed to anchor your TV at your local hardware store. Use the pre-threaded holes on the back of your flat screen TV to attach the anchoring device and follow the instructions for anchoring to the wall or built-in cabinet.
  • Use Safety Straps - You can also purchase safety straps specifically made for anchoring a TV to your furniture. Be sure the furniture is designed to hold the size and weight of your TV. After the TV is anchored to the furniture, the furniture should then be anchored to the wall.
  • Consider a Wall-Mount - If you are not using furniture to hold a flat-panel TV, you can also use safety straps to anchor your TV to the studs in the wall. Purchase a wall mount kit at your local hardware store and be sure to find the studs in the wall so you know it is secure.
  • Check for Hazards - In addition to making sure that any TV stand is sturdy enough to handle the size and weight of your TV, and that it is anchored properly, it’s important to check around the area of the TV. Remove any objects that sit on top of or near the TV, so a child won’t be tempted to climb near the TV to reach them. Also check to be sure all cords associated with your media center are hidden and out of reach.