Prescription drugs, over the counter drugs (OTCs), opioids, stimulants, and alcohol can unintentionally poison – or even hospitalize – children and youth.
Children and youth are curious and always exploring the world around them. And when drugs are not in a secure and out of reach place, the risks of unintentional poisoning rise significantly. We know that 6 in 10 child poisoning deaths are caused by prescription or illicit drugs¹. And how often children accidentally ingesting cannabis is up 1375% in recent years². We all have a role to play in helping to keep kids safer.
No matter what drugs are in your house, put them away, lock them up, store them out of reach, and keep kids safer.
What can I do to prevent unintentional youth poisonings?
Use a lock bag to store your drugs
The Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) and the Rhode Island Regional Coalitions are providing free lock bags. Protect children by using lock bags to safely store your drugs.
Put all medicines away and out of sight including your own
Make sure that all prescription drugs, over the counter drugs (OTCs), opioids, stimulants, and alcohol are stored out of reach and out of sight of children.
Talk to your kids about medication safety
Even if the child’s medication tastes good, don’t compare it to candy to encourage kids to take it!
Remember products you might not think about as medicine
Health products such as vitamins, diaper rush creams, and eye drop can be harmful if kids get into them. Store them securely, like over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
Save the National Poison Control number in your phone and post it visibly in your home
Specialists at the National Capital Poison Center provide free, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can answer questions about how to give or take medicine and help with emergencies. They can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
Lock bags can help keep your family safer. Get one for free.
More Resources
Help a Loved One
Addiction can affect anyone – as well as their friends and family. It can also be difficult to know what to do as a parent.
Get rid of medications safely
If you have any unused prescriptions around the house, it’s important to get rid of them safely.
Data on this page come from Fast Facts: Poisonings Among Children Ages 0–14 in 2018 and National Poison Data System (NPDS)