Alarming footage of a young boy getting his hand stuck inside an escalator is currently going viral on social media. According to ABS-CBN news, the incident happened at SM San Lazaro.
In the video clip, which has been viewed nearly 3 million times since it was posted on March 22, both the child and his mom are visibly upset. The little boy cries loudly as his panicked mom screams unintelligibly.
SM sent an official statement to ABS-CBN, addressing what happened.
"There was an incident in the mall, involving a 4-year-old boy. He was immediately attended to by our emergency response team and immediately taken to the nearby hospital," they wrote. "The boy is fine now and out of the hospital."
Concerned onlookers took clips of the incident, sharing them on social media and urging parents to take care of their kids while inside the mall.
Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas, in a phone interview with ABS-CBN news, stressed the importance of parental responsibility when it comes to mall safety for kids.
"Ang first line of security ng ating mga anak ay ang magulang," she said, adding that younger kids must be given special attention, especially when using the escalator, elevator, and stairs.
How to keep your kids safe on escalators
1. Make sure there are no loose clothing or accessories
Before you get on, be sure to check that your kid's shoe laces are tied tight and that there is nothing hanging from their shirt, pants, or skirt that may get caught in the escalator.
2. Always hold on to them
This may seem like it doesn't need to be said, but oftentimes the mall provides so many distractions which can cause us to overlook some of the most basic safety measures. Hold your child's hand and make sure they face forward when on board an escalator.
3. No playing
The escalator is not a "ride." Remind your kids not to stand on the edge of the steps or use it as a stool. Jumping up and down is also a no-no.
4. Lift them up if they can't step over "combs"
For smaller kids, it's safer to lift them up when boarding or getting off of the escalator. Though it's barely noticeable, there is a gap where the elevator ends which may be a hazard to kids.
5. Stand in the middle
Don't cling to the sides to avoid accidents. Make sure your kids develop the habit of standing still in the center of the escalator step to be safe.
If your child is still in a stroller, avoid using the escalator altogether and wait for the elevator instead.
READ: 6 Ways to keep children safe while in the mall
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