Why are buttock muscles contraindicated as injection sites on children under 12?

Buttock muscles are contraindicated as injection sites in children under 12 due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and surrounding structures, which can be more prominent in younger children. Additionally, the muscle mass in children may not be sufficient for safe and effective intramuscular injections, increasing the likelihood of complications. Using alternative sites, such as the thigh, is recommended to minimize these risks.