Message from the Child Death Overview Panel

KSCB’s Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) reviews every child death in Kent as part of its safeguarding responsibilities.

The Panel has noted a number of recent adolescent deaths where the use of headphones with mobile devices appears to have been a contributory factor.

Schools are asked to raise awareness of the dangers of children and young people using headphones with hand held devices when walking or cycling – and particularly when in the proximity of trains, either at stations or level crossings. They should also be made aware of the associated risk to the safety of other pedestrians,especially in environments of moving vehicles including trains.

Andrew Scott-Clark
Director of Public Health
On behalf of the Kent CDOP

Telephone: 03000 416659
Email: andrew.scott-clark@kent.gov.uk