Trampolines: Fun or Foolish?
As warmer weather approaches and children begin to play outside, safety is always a concern. A very popular, however dangerous, outdoor activity for children is the use of a trampoline.
The Canadian Pediatric Society and the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine have released a position statement on the use of trampolines. They state that trampolines should NOT be used for recreational purposes at home by children or adolescents. They note that the use of trampolines is a high risk activity with the potential for serious injury.
Common injuries from trampoline inculde minor ankle and wrist sprains as well as leg and arm fractures. More serious injuries are also possible, such as skull and neck fractures, which can result in paralysis.
Health Canada recommends the following safety precautions be employed for trampoline use:
Given the above-noted considerations, the Canadian Pediatric Society and the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine still advise against the use of a trampoline at home. They note that current preventative strategies available when using a trampoline do not prevent most injuries. It is up to parents to ensure the safety of their children and given the above information it is important to make an informed decision about the activities you children participate in.
The Canadian Pediatric Society and the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine have released a position statement on the use of trampolines. They state that trampolines should NOT be used for recreational purposes at home by children or adolescents. They note that the use of trampolines is a high risk activity with the potential for serious injury.
Common injuries from trampoline inculde minor ankle and wrist sprains as well as leg and arm fractures. More serious injuries are also possible, such as skull and neck fractures, which can result in paralysis.
Health Canada recommends the following safety precautions be employed for trampoline use:
- ensure proper adult supervision at all times
- only one person on a trampoline at a time
- only children above the age of six should use a trampoline
- no use of ladders with trampolines (as it allows unsupervised access)
- no somersaults or flips
- no jumping on the trampoline from a higher place or jumping off the trampoline onto the ground
- ensure that there are shock absorbing pads covering the spring’s hooks and frame
- ensure that the trampoline is set on level ground and has a 2 meter around and 8 meter above clearance
- nets should never be used to replace appropriate adult supervision.
Given the above-noted considerations, the Canadian Pediatric Society and the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine still advise against the use of a trampoline at home. They note that current preventative strategies available when using a trampoline do not prevent most injuries. It is up to parents to ensure the safety of their children and given the above information it is important to make an informed decision about the activities you children participate in.