- Decrease in pupil-related mishaps in Berlin educational institutions.
There's been a notable decrease in occurrences related to Berlin school students over the past year. Schools documented 35,175 occurrences, equating to approximately 180 per day needing medical attention. This is a significant reduction compared to pre-COVID-19 times, as per data from the Berlin Accident Insurance Fund.
In 2022, approximately 9.6% of the total 1,000 students experienced an occurrence, down from 8.8% in 2021. Simultaneously, Berlin's student population expanded by approximately 8,680 individuals, reaching approximately 397,300. Michael Laßok, director of the Berlin Accident Insurance Fund, commended schools for their commendable work in safeguarding students' safety and wellbeing, stating, "More students and less occurrences - schools are truly shining in this aspect."
While the reduction in occurrences could be attributed to decreased physical activity among children and adolescents, Laßok emphasized the importance of fostering opportunities for children to engage in physical activities. "Though temporary, this decrease may result in lower injury counts, but minor scratches and minor injuries are an inherent part of growth," he added.
At primary schools, nearly half of all occurrences take place on the playground. For secondary schools, the gym and sports field account for 46% of total accidents. Common sports such as football, handball, and volleyball are frequent contributors to student injuries.
In light of the expansion of Berlin's student population, it's noteworthy that the number of occurrences at secondary schools, particularly in the gym and sports field, hasn't mirrored the same downward trend as primary schools. Despite the decrease in occurrences at Berlin schools, it's crucial to ensure access to gymnasium facilities for secondary school students to promote physical health and activity.
