Cotton-wool culture is bubble trouble

Part of the spoof trailer

IF you’re the kind of parent who won’t let the kids out of the house unless they’re wrapped in half a ton of cotton wool, read on!

St John Ambulance chiefs are calling for an end to today’s “cotton wool culture” and for parents to learn first-aid skills instead.

The first-aid charity has released a short spoof film, “Safety Suit”, about a boy whose overprotective parents buy him a padded suit to play out in for his birthday.

Apart from showing the hilarious consequences of bulky, impractical gift, the film encourages parents to pick up potentially life-saving skills online so they can let their children play outside with peace of mind.

St John Ambulance research reveals the vast majority of parents think it’s important to learn first aid but just over half have pursued it.

The poll also found nearly half of mums are unlikely to let their children go on a bike ride with friends and a quarter admitted they’d be unlikely to let their children climb a tree.

Graham Ellis, training and community projects manager at St John Ambulance, said: “It is a funny film with a serious message — you don’t need to wrap your children in cotton wool to protect them.

“Parents who learn first aid gain the peace of mind to let their children enjoy everything childhood has to offer, as well as the knowledge to look after them, whatever happens.

View the film at www.sja.org.uk/safetysuit.
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