Report: Kids in superhero costumes at risk
A study by a child specialist in the British city of Nottingham has found that children wearing superhero costumes have a higher chance of being injured.
The study by Dr. Patrick Davies of the Queen's Medical Center found that when children don their superhero costumes, they are more likely to engage in imitative behavior of the hero and increase their chances of injury, The Daily Mail said.
"Imaginary role models are an essential part of growing up and it is important not to deny children their unrealistic dreams, whether it be scaling the sides of buildings, flying or playing football for England," Davies said.
"However, parents need to be aware that children may believe that their abilities have been given a superboost with an appropriate costume," he added.
In his study, that focuses on five specific cases of child injuries related to such costumes, Davies also warns of the likely effects of the impending release of a "Superman" film.
"Although the merchandising bombardment is yet to be released, we anticipate a rush of injured Supermen to come through our department in the next few months," he told the paper.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International
