My 4-year-old grandson, just like little Noah Woods, is autistic and non-verbal. The tragic loss of Noah has deeply resonated with me and countless parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children. It serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of ensuring our children's safety, especially in places designed for their joy and recreation like playgrounds.

Noah's story is a heart-wrenching example of what can happen when preventive safety measures are overlooked. Our playgrounds are meant to be safe havens, but unfortunately, they can also become sites of potential danger when gates are not adequately secured. A simple, yet effective solution is to make sure all playground gates are childproof, preventing any unsupervised exits.

Childproof gates are not just a luxury but a necessity. It is a small step that can prevent enormous tragedies. Neurodiverse children, like my grandson and many others, often view the world differently, and their sense of adventure can sometimes lead them into unsafe situations if not properly supervised. Yet, supervision is not enough if the infrastructure itself allows for easy exits.

Statistics from child safety studies indicate that nearly 50% of children with autism are prone to wandering, which can lead to dangerous situations including traffic accidents and tragedy like we saw with Noah Woods. An investment into childproofing playground gates is an investment into the safety of our future – our children.

We are calling upon local councils and community authorities to take immediate action. Implementing childproof measures, such as self-closing gates with secure latches and raised fencing, will significantly minimize these risks and offer peace of mind to parents and caregivers everywhere.

Please join me in fighting for safer playgrounds. Ensure that no family has to endure the unfathomable loss like that of Noah's family. Sign this petition to prompt local authorities to take the necessary steps in safeguarding our children's play areas.