Trampoline Safety: Navigating the Risks and Rewards for Families

Trampolines have long been a source of fun and excitement for children, but their use also comes with significant risks. As parents seek ways to encourage physical activity, the decision to allow trampoline use can be a complex one. This article delves into the potential dangers, factors that increase injury risk, and strategies to make trampolining safer for families.

Unlocking the Secrets to Safer Trampoline Fun

The Alarming Trampoline Injury Statistics

According to a 2022 study published in the journal Pediatric Emergency Care, there were over 800,000 reported injuries associated with trampolines between 2009 and 2018. More than 36,000 of those cases resulted in hospital admission, and more than one-third of the injuries involved bone fractures. The most common injury sites were the arms and legs, though over 1 in 5 children suffered head and neck injuries, including concussions. Additionally, children experienced a variety of other injuries, such as damage to internal organs.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has strongly recommended against the use of recreational trampolines in children, citing the frequency of injury and the possibility of severe, irreversible harm, notably permanent neurological damage from head and neck injuries.

Factors that Increase Injury Risk

Certain factors are associated with a greater risk of trampoline-related injuries. Jumpers on the same apparatus increase the injury risk, especially for the smallest individuals. The AAP recommends that if a trampoline is used, its use should be restricted to a single jumper on the mat at one time.Additionally, children 5 years and younger are at an increased risk of fractures and dislocations due to trampoline-related injuries. The AAP strongly advises against children younger than 6 years old jumping on any trampolines.Certain maneuvers, such as flips and somersaults, are also especially associated with the risk of head and cervical spine injury. These moves should be avoided in recreational settings, and if children are learning trampolining as part of a structured sports program, parents must ensure there is specific coaching to develop the necessary skills.Contrary to popular belief, having padding and enclosing the trampoline space may not prevent a significant number of injuries and can provide a false sense of security. While padding and netting can help, they must be in good condition, and the trampoline should be set on the ground, as falls off the trampoline can also cause injury.

Home Trampolines vs. Commercial Trampoline Parks

The safety of trampoline use can vary depending on the location. A meta-analysis published in 2020 found that injuries that occurred at trampoline parks carried double the risk of requiring surgery compared to home trampoline use. The report also found that injuries from full-size trampolines had a six times higher risk of requiring surgery compared to injuries from mini-size trampolines.Another study, published in the journal Pediatrics in 2023, reported that 11% of injuries sustained at trampoline parks were significant, with an overall injury rate of 1.14 injuries per 1,000 jumper hours in the parks.The rise in trampoline injuries can be attributed to the growing popularity of commercial trampoline venues. These parks are often crowded, with multiple jumpers at once, and the commercial equipment may allow jumpers to jump higher and fall from greater heights, leading to more severe injuries.However, it's important to note that there can also be a false sense of security at these commercial venues. Parents may think that trampolines in a facility are safer than those at home, and they may take comfort in the presence of other adults, but they should carefully read the disclosure statements of these facilities, as they understand the possibility of injury.

Strategies for Safer Trampoline Use

If you decide to allow your child to use a trampoline, there are several precautions you can take to reduce the risk of injury. When visiting someone's home with a trampoline, inspect the apparatus before allowing your child to use it. Ensure that the bouncing surface is as close to the ground as possible and not close to other objects, such as trees and walls. Check for worn nets and pads, as well as any hooks or springs that are sticking out.If you visit a trampoline park, try to avoid busy times of the day to reduce the risk of collision. Stay close to your child and instruct them not to attempt dangerous maneuvers like flips. If they are interested in learning gymnastics moves, encourage them to join a structured sports program where they can learn under close supervision.It's crucial to be mindful of the age of the child. The AAP strongly recommends against children younger than 6 years old using trampolines, as they are at an increased risk of fractures and dislocations.If you have a trampoline at home, be sure to check your homeowners insurance policy, as many policies will not cover guests who are injured on the trampoline.

Balancing the Risks and Rewards

As a parent, it's understandable to want your children to enjoy the fun and physical benefits of trampoline use. However, the potential for serious injury is a significant concern. Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert and emergency physician, has taken a harm-reduction approach with her own family.While Wen has treated enough patients with trampoline-related injuries to understand the dangers, she acknowledges that it can be difficult to avoid trampolines altogether given their popularity. Her family does not have a trampoline at home, and they try to steer clear of homes with trampolines during playdates. If their children do visit a home with a trampoline, Wen and her family closely supervise the activity and ensure that only one child jumps at a time.When it comes to commercial trampoline venues, Wen recognizes that it can be challenging to ask children to miss out on their friends' birthday parties. In these situations, she sets clear rules in advance, such as no somersaults and staying within eyesight of a parent.Ultimately, the decision to allow trampoline use is a personal one, and each family must weigh the risks and rewards based on their own risk-tolerance levels. The key is to understand the potential dangers and take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of serious injury.