It’s fun and popular, but playing on trampolines puts children at risk for serious injury.
“About 100,000 children between 5 and 10 years old are injured annually on trampolines,” explains Dr. William A. Phillips, chief of pediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis at Texas Children’s Hospital and professor of orthopaedics and pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “Younger children and teens also are at risk.”
Sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts are common injuries associated with trampoline jumping. More serious injuries to the head and neck can cause paralysis or even death.
Common causes of injury on trampolines can be from colliding with another person, landing improperly, falling or jumping off the trampoline and falling on the trampoline springs or frame. Younger children are at greater risk for fractures, while older children often suffer sprains and strains.
According to statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, children under 6 years old should not play on trampolines. These groups also advise against playing on trampolines at home, in routine physical education classes or at outdoor playgrounds and recommend trampoline use only in structured, well-monitored environments with supervision.
Though installing a safety net around the perimeter of your backyard trampoline may help to prevent falls, it doesn’t mean a child can’t or won’t get injured.
“Kids don’t have to fall off a trampoline to get hurt, so using a net around a trampoline does not mean they are safe,” explains Phillips. “I’ve seen many children break bones landing on the trampoline itself.”
Because of the risk of injury, Texas Children’s advises against the use of trampolines. However, if parents choose to allow children to jump and play on trampolines, Phillips suggests these guidelines be followed:
- Place the trampoline away from structures, trees and other play areas.
- Always supervise children when using the trampoline.
- Allow only one person to jump on the trampoline at a time.
- Install safety pads to cover springs, hooks and the frame.
- Never play on a wet trampoline. Use a broom to sweep away leaves or other debris that may have fallen on the trampoline.
- Never crawl under a trampoline while someone is jumping on it.
- Never jump off a trampoline. When finished jumping, stop, walk to the edge and then slide off.
“Most trampoline injuries occur on backyard trampolines,” Phillips says. “The best way to keep kids from becoming injured on trampolines is to avoid them altogether.”
Visit our summer safety center for more on keeping kids safe.
