Trampolining is excellent aerobic exercise and offers great physical fitness benefits—and since it’s fun, it’s an activity kids are drawn to. But trampolines also come with a lot of safety risks. Injuries from backyard trampolines are on the rise for children up to 14 years old.
The risks are high
The leading causes of injury on a trampoline are:
- landing improperly on the trampoline (i.e. on the mat, frame, or springs)
- landing on a surface other than the trampoline (i.e. ground, cement)
- a collision with another person
A recent study shows that:
- 40% of playground equipment injuries resulted from playing on or falling from a trampoline.
- 83% of backyard trampoline-related injuries occur while multiple people are on the trampoline at the same time.
An IWK Health report found that:
- 247 trampoline-related injuries were seen in the Emergency Department from 2012-2015
- 52% of the injuries were among children ages 5-9.
- Sprains and soft tissue injuries were the most common.
Child Safety Link position statement
Child Safety Link (CSL) and IWK Health support the Canadian Paediatric Society’s position on backyard trampolines and recommend that parents should not buy backyard trampolines to use at home or at cottages.
Trampoline safely
- If you do decide to buy a trampoline for your child, make sure you follow these rules:
- Only buy a trampoline with a safety net surround, and install the netting properly.
- Make sure your trampoline meets ASTM requirements.
- Set it up away from structures, trees, or other play areas.
- Make sure an adult is always around to supervise.
- Kids younger than 6 should not be allowed to use the trampoline
- One child on the trampoline at a time.
- Have no other items—like balls or toys—on the trampoline with the child.
- No flips or somersaults allowed, ever.