Parents are being urged to keep a tighter eye on their children after a Victorian spike in accidental deaths.
According to KidSafe Victoria, statistics from the state Coroners Court show that eight children have died from unintentional injuries since August 1, as the state's coronavirus lockdown measures continue.
"It is a significant spike, considering on average, 17 Victorian children aged 0-14 years usually die every year as a result of an unintentional injury," KidSafe said in a statement.
It added the deaths included three drowning incidents, a driveway runover, a pedestrian incident, a household fire and a curtain chain strangulation.
"It is such a challenging time - parents and carers are looking after children at home more often - most of whom are being home-schooled, and in amongst all of this they are also juggling working from home," said KidSafe Vic chief executive Melanie Courtney.
Dr Warwick Teague, the Director of Trauma at The Royal Children's Hospital, said most children's injuries happen at home and families are stuck there because of the state's restrictions.
