In 2016, the statistics surrounding childhood safety in the United States paint a sobering picture. That year alone, four children tragically lost their lives due to lightning strikes. In contrast, gun violence claimed the lives of 637 kids under 11. Between 2002 and 2011, over 9,000 American children under 12 died in car accidents. Additionally, in 2014, 425 children aged 10 to 14 took their own lives. Unintentional injuries were responsible for 2,696 deaths among children under 14, while 643 succumbed to homicide. According to the CDC, around ten people drown unintentionally every day, with two of them being children aged 14 or younger.
What’s striking is that no American children were killed by terrorists in 2016. The last time a child died due to terrorism in the U.S. was during the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, which claimed one young life. Looking further back, the only other incidents where children were killed by terrorism include the tragic events of 9/11 (eight children) and the Oklahoma City bombings (19 children).
As we debate the number of Syrian refugees to admit into the country, we must remember these statistics. While children face unimaginable dangers in conflict zones like Aleppo, our focus often shifts toward fears that may not be justified. The vetting process for refugees is rigorous, involving nine comprehensive steps that include multiple rechecks. In fact, only 1% of the world’s refugees qualify for entry into the United States. The odds of a terrorist slipping through this stringent screening are far less than the risks posed by drowning or homicide.
Media coverage tends to spotlight sensational threats, while everyday dangers like drowning and car crashes receive far less attention. This skewed perspective contributes to our misperception of risk. As outlined in The Political Science of Risk Perception, the way we perceive danger is often distorted by personal beliefs and experiences, leading to an exaggerated view of threats like terrorism compared to the mundane yet significant risks we face daily.
We have been conditioned to view certain groups, often unfairly, as potential threats. This fear overshadows the more pressing dangers that lurk in our homes and neighborhoods. For example, worry more about that swimming pool in your backyard, an unlocked firearm, or even the proper installation of your child’s car seat. The second leading cause of infant mortality is pregnancy complications, and childhood cancer ranks as a leading cause of death among kids aged 1 to 14.
So rather than fretting over the possibility of a terrorist attack, it’s time to redirect our concerns. Focus on the real risks your children face every day, including the fear of refugees being harmed before they even arrive in the U.S. For more information on home insemination and related topics, check out our blog post here: Cervical Insemination.
In summary, while terrorism captures headlines, the everyday risks to our children—like drowning in a pool or being involved in a car accident—should command our attention and concern more than unfounded fears about refugees. For those considering at-home insemination solutions, Make A Mom offers reputable kits, while the Genetics and IVF Institute serves as a great resource for information on pregnancy and home insemination.