(HealthDay News) -- Ice skating is a winter ritual for many children in colder climates, but unless precautions are taken it can be fraught with the possibility of injury.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these ice skating safety guidelines:

• Never allow children to skate on any surface that is not approved for skating. It may not be safe. Call local officials to find out where skating is allowed.
• Make sure your child skates in the same direction as the crowd, not against it.
• Don't allow children to dart across the ice in front of other skaters.
• Never allow children to skate alone, or when they're chewing gum or eating candy.
• Encourage your child to wear a helmet while skating.