How many parents or patients in my career have told me:

“I didn’t realise that…” “If only I had known that….” “If someone had told me that…”

Well, now you know. Dr. Gill is saying it very clearly. We all need to hear it.

So, what action are you going to take? In your home? In your community?

I saw my first e-scooter accident in a young teen patient almost 8 years ago. (I only see teen patients and above). It was their THIRD serious accident.

When I started this social media project 7 years ago, I said I wanted to take conversations out of the hospital quiet rooms. To have the conversations that prevent us meeting in the quiet room.

And from the bottom of my heart, I will tell you that every parent I ever met, crying, in the quiet room would happily change places with any other parents suffering through with healthy, uninjured child moping, sulking, and angrily proclaiming “worst parent ever!” for keeping them safe with a hard decision. They will grow and get over it – and love you still – if you give them the chance to grow.

It’s no joke being a parent of a teen now. It is your tough and thankless task to help them navigate safely through dangers you never had, like vaping, “whippits“, social media/screens, supplements and energy drinks, and e-scooters.

But you know what, docs are here to help. Remember to ask us. We are pretty keen on that whole preventing harm thing!

(While we are here: Even for adults, know the all the current laws and regulations about e-scooters. And even if it isn’t the law, strongly consider using common sense such as hi-vis as evenings get darker and wearing a helmet. And never, ever drink and drive/cycle any vehicle. Seriously.)