Why You Should Worry More About the Swimming Pool Than Terrorists

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In 2016, lightning claimed the lives of four children in the United States, while gun violence tragically took 637 lives of kids under 11. Between 2002 and 2011, over 9,000 American children under 12 died in car accidents. In 2014 alone, 425 kids aged 10 to 14 took their own lives. Furthermore, unintentional injuries led to the deaths of 2,696 children under 14, and homicide claimed 643 young lives. According to the CDC, about ten people drown accidentally every day in the U.S., with two of those being children aged 14 or younger.

Throughout 2016, no American children lost their lives to terrorism. The only child victim was from the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. In fact, since 2001, when eight children perished on 9/11, and 19 died in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, the numbers remain staggeringly low.

Amid heated debates about admitting Syrian refugees, we must remember these numbers. While children in places like Aleppo face daily threats from bombs and gunfire, we seem more concerned about potential dangers to our own kids from refugees. The vetting process for refugees is rigorous, involving nine steps and multiple checks before they can enter the U.S. Once here, they must obtain a green card, triggering further scrutiny. Only 1% of global refugees qualify for entry into the country, making the likelihood of a terrorist slipping through this process far less than the risk of a child drowning or dying from other preventable causes.

The media tends to focus on extraordinary risks—shark attacks, mass shootings, and terrorism—while neglecting the more mundane yet significant concerns, such as child drownings or car accidents. The disparity in risk perception is well-documented; as outlined in “The Political Science of Risk Perception,” laypersons often misjudge risks based on personal experiences and beliefs. With sensationalized reports about refugees, it’s easy to view them as a greater threat than they truly are.

Additionally, the portrayal of Arabs as terrorists, fueled by media narratives and political rhetoric, distorts public perception. Even with isolated incidents of violence, such as the Orlando shooting, the overall risk remains minimal compared to everyday dangers. For instance, the U.S. welcomed its 10,000th Syrian refugee in August, with the death of American children by these refugees standing at zero.

Instead of fearing refugees, let’s focus on the more immediate threats. Worry about the swimming pool in your backyard, that unsecured firearm, or whether your child’s car seat is installed correctly. Consider the risks of pregnancy loss or childhood cancer, which rank among the leading causes of death for infants and children.

In summary, while it’s natural to feel concerned about safety, we must prioritize our worries. The real threats to our children are often the ones we overlook.

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Summary: The article emphasizes that we should be more concerned about everyday dangers like drowning and gun violence than the perceived threat of terrorism, particularly concerning refugees. It highlights the need to focus on actual risks to children rather than sensationalized fears, urging readers to prioritize their worries more effectively.