Children on cruises?

I have been on many cruises. Never seen a deck open to the sea!!!! Rails are chest height on an average adult. Shoulder height on me.
The stories of people 'falling' overboard are either stories of people jumping (for whatever reason, illness, bravado or stupidity), or more commonly drunk youngsters sitting on balconies. I have never seen railings that be climbed on, there are solid panels, of metal or very thick shatter proof perspex type material.
There is no way a child could fall overboard.
They have fantastic children's clubs and activities and the larger ships have their own dedicated splash pools etc.

I've been on 8 cruises. They have a childrens club, where you leave your children for a certain amount of time. This is a secure place, just like a nursery. I've seen the older kids with some sort of radio so they can find their parents on the ship. I can't see a child falling overboard as there are high barriers around the decks. Of course little ones have to be supervised at all times.

Had 2 cruises - 1 ship had kids, 1 adults only. Kids seemed to enjoy it but personally I would never relax - never let them out of sight even teenagers!

Can't think of anything worse for kids (mind you for adults too- unless a small boat round the British Isles, or a river boat on the Duro.

It would be very easy for small child to fall overboard - many decks have open rails. I saw a father lift his toddler son up to show him what it looked like over the edge. My heart was in my mouth until he put him back down. Older children are ok, dependent on how sensible they are, but certainly little ones would be a huge worry.

Suzied - I wasn't and our closest beach is 80 odd miles away, the OP was to query the safety of a cruise ship for a child.

Numberplease, yes, that's exactly how I would be, interesting that you have been on one and feel like that, answered my question perfectly, thank you.

Can't imagine why you would take young children on a cruise ship. They'd be happier mucking about on a beach on the Isle of Wight. ( or any other safe beach not too far from their home)

Our cruise ship was a child free ship, but lots of cruise companies cater hugely for children. After going on my first cruise, I think I`d be terrified of taking young children on a ship, I wouldn`t dare take my eyes off them, even to blink!