What Are the Most Dangerous Times of the Day for Children?

Many children are left to their own devices after school and that's why this time of day can be so dangerous for them, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Keeping children busy after school is critical to making their afternoon hours safer and more productive.

  1. Right After School

    • Parents who work outside of the home aren't always able to get off early enough to pick their kids up from school. Those hours of unsupervised time can give children plenty of time to get into trouble, according to the Education Week website. Juvenile crime peaks in the afternoon, immediately after school is let out for the day, according to the Department of Justice. That means that your child can be more likely to engage in criminal behavior, but, if unsupervised, might also become the victim of a crime committed by another juvenile.

    Early Evening

    • Though the hour immediately after the end of the school day is the most dangerous, the early evening hours are perilous, too. If parents aren't at home, children tend to hang out with friends or linger on the streets, which leads to an increase in juvenile crime until about 7 p.m., according to Marcia R. Chaiken, author of "Kids, Cops and Communities." It's just as likely your child could become the victim of a crime during this time if a responsible adult isn't at home.

    What Can Happen

    • In addition to an increase in criminal behavior and criminal victimization, being unsupervised after school can cause other problems. Children who get mixed up in criminal behavior and spend time with poor influences are more likely to drop out of high school. These children are also more likely to use illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol and engage in sexual activity, according to the Afterschool Alliance website. Children who are unsupervised are also at a higher risk for being sexually assaulted by a peer, especially during the hour between 3 and 4 p.m., the Department of Justice reports.

    After-school Programs

    • After-school clubs and activities can prevent many of the problems associated with unsupervised children. These programs help keep children safe by providing trained and caring adults, and they are a good way to keep your child occupied with constructive activities until you get off work. In addition to the safety benefits, after-school programs can also raise test scores, improve grades, increase graduation rates and keep kids healthy, according to the Afterschool Alliance website.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Find a Pediatric Behavioral Therapist
      Once you decide your child needs to see a therapist for an emotional or behavioral problem, you need to find the right therapist. Although licensure, education and experience are key considerations, you also want a therapist who specializes in diagno
    • Different Ways to Handle Biting Kids
      Biting isnt unusual, particularly in kids younger than age 3. In fact, the American Psychological Association notes that epidemiological studies indicate that up to half of all tots in day care get bitten. If your child is one of the biters, you migh
    • Does my child need a flu shot this year?
      In most cases, yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu (influenza) vaccine for all children 6 months and older in the United States — ideally by the end of October. This year the CDC recommends the flu