To insist that DS (age 11) wears a helmet when skateboarding?

[Tex111]

He has the usual argument, his friends don't and it's not cool. I know the other parents and I'm surprised they don't insist on helmets but I still think DS should wear one. Your thoughts please.

DrNick my previous comment regarding cycling was because some previous posters had mentioned helmets when skating and cycling.

I agree with you, I don't think some of the parents on here are parents of the sort of skaters I'm thinking of, the idea of a parent being here supervising helmet wearing .

I know its not about bikes. But there are similarities in risk and attitudes, and its not ok for people to say they are only thinking of their kids street cred/coolness and so do not dictate about them wearing protection on bikes, skates, skate boards whatever.
Why assume that teens will rebel and have their own minds and that's that - educate them instead. Why think they will be OK cos no-one else wears one either. OPs kid could be the unlucky one. Train them young, EXPECT them to conform. My kids continue to wear their helmets without rebelling at all because they have been educated about the risks - but they are in a tiny tiny minority among their peers. IMO all the other parents are just crossing their fingers and hoping their DC will be OK.
OP, If at 11 he is old enough to think he can kick off and have an opinion on this, then he is old enough to be shown some of the shocking and upsetting pictures/stories about young people who have suffered devastating head injuries.

I used to hang out with a load of skaters. Spent far too much time at the pioneer (st a) and I can't remember any helmets being worn (they may have for comps). That included pros like R odney C larke etc

DrNick: I believed you until you mentioned secondary school pupils wearing coats. Now I know you're lying.

And no, my children aren't toddlers, although the one who will be 14 in a couple of weeks is capable of behaving like one occasionally.

My son is obsessive skater still at 19 daily! Never has or will wear a helmet they would be laughed out f teh park. I understand the fear but head injuries are rare thank god more wrists and knees Many cuts and stitches but thats part of it.

Yup. Me dog and nod agree.
Id rather he wore wrist guards. Like THATS going to happen.

Son did wear wrist GUARD as one was trendy for about 3 months one summer (after I had spent hours 'customising' it)