Trampolines for Kids

It's a new age. Kids used to bounce off the walls when they were confined inside. Nowadays they prefer to stay indoors, glued to keyboards and game controllers. Any activity that encourages our increasingly sedentary children to venture outside and jump around seems like a good idea. Trampolines blend childhood fantasies of superpowers, aerobic exercise and unspent energy into pure, unadulterated fun. That is, until someone gets hurt.

Disconcerting Statistics

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 2001, 91,870 people were treated in emergency rooms for trampoline-related injuries. Most of the victims were children. About 93 percent were less 15 years of age and about 11 percent were less than 5 years old. A majority of accidents occur when fellow jumpers collide, but injuries also result when children do stunts and land improperly on the trampoline, fall or jump off the trampoline, or land on the trampoline springs or frame. Most trampoline injuries happen while children are supervised by a parent at their own home, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Ban

In the wake of rising injuries, the American Academy of Pediatrics affirmed in 2006 its warning against the use of trampolines, a warning that it first issued in 1999. The AAP advises that parents should not allow a trampoline in their own home and also should not allow their children to use trampolines at neighbors' or friends' homes. The AAP, in fact, recommends that trampolines not be a part of routine physical education programs in schools.

Rules of Use

Of course, hundreds of thousands of families own and use trampolines, many without serious injury. If you choose to buy a trampoline, you should establish rules regarding its use. An adult should always be present when the trampoline is in use. ConsumersReports.org suggests that children under 6 should never be allowed to use a trampoline. Do not allow more than one person at a time to use the trampoline. Obtain permission from the parents of your children's friends before allowing them to use the trampoline.

Equipment and Setting

Check the trampoline routinely to ensure the trampoline, the springs, the frame, the bracing and the pads are free from rips and wear. The springs and bars should always have appropriate cushioning, and if a safety enclosure is not used, you should place adequate cushioning around the trampoline. Children should use the trampoline only when the trampoline is dry and enough daylight is available. Place the trampoline in an open area. Do not place it near objects from which children can jump on to the trampoline -- kids have more of a knack for creativity than safety.

Other Safety Measures

Children should remove shoes, jewelry, watches, belts with big buckles, and any objects from their pants pockets. They should never take toys, sticks or other objects on the trampoline. Children should bounce in the middle of the trampoline. They should never jump off the trampoline or off of another object onto the trampoline. Children should not be allowed to attempt somersaults or other complicated maneuvers. These tricks should be attempted only with trained supervisors or spotters.