When it comes to backyard fun, few things can match the pure, unadulterated joy of a trampoline. The way it launches kids into the air, letting them defy gravity for a few blissful seconds – it’s like something straight out of a superhero movie. But as any parent who’s had to rush their child to the emergency room can attest, that joy can come with a heavy price.
The Trampoline Trap
According to a recent report, over 800,000 children sustained trampoline-related injuries in the United States between 2009 and 2018. And the majority of those incidents happened right at home, in the backyard. Orthopedic surgeon William J. Shaughnessy, MD, has seen it all – from broken bones and dislocated joints to fractured spines and even the occasional near-miss with permanent neurological damage.
“Kids are endlessly inventive in figuring out ways to break bones on trampolines,” he laments. “Safety nets are pretty effective at preventing children from falling off, but in the absence of those, they inevitably do fall. And even with netting, injuries can occur when two or more kids are jumping at the same time and one lands on top of the other.”
And it’s not just the risks of falls and collisions that keep Dr. Shaughnessy up at night. He’s also seen cases where children were injured when they crawled under the trampoline, or even when they tried to get “creative” by combining the trampoline with a sled and a snowmobile. Seriously, who needs X-Games when you’ve got a backyard?
Fractures, Sprains, and Beyond
The majority of trampoline-related injuries involve dislocations, sprains, and broken or fractured bones. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, emergency departments have seen a sharp rise in the number of pediatric fractures caused by trampoline accidents – from 353 per 100,000 person-years in 2008 to 530 per 100,000 person-years in 2017.
The most common culprits are radius and ulna fractures, usually the result of a child trying to catch themselves with an outstretched hand after a fall. But the injuries can be much more severe, including fractures of the spine, head, ribs, and sternum. And while life-threatening incidents are rare, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons strongly discourage the use of home trampolines, especially for children under the age of 6.
As if all that wasn’t enough to make any parent’s heart skip a beat, there’s also the terrifying prospect of neurological injuries. “The most dangerous risks are neurologic injuries, typically caused by doing somersaults, flips, or falling from the trampoline,” explains Dr. Wendy Hunter, a board-certified pediatrician at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.
The Bigger They Are…
Now, you might be thinking, “Well, I’ll just get a smaller trampoline – that’ll reduce the risk, right?” Wrong. According to the experts, even mini trampolines pose similar safety risks to their full-sized counterparts. And the smaller the child, the more likely they are to get hurt.
“In worst-case scenarios, kids can end up paralyzed, brain-damaged, or even killed from trampoline injuries,” Dr. Hunter warns. “And the younger and smaller a child is, the more likely they are to get hurt.”
It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? I mean, we’re talking about a piece of backyard equipment that’s supposed to be all about fun and games. But the reality is that trampolines are essentially glorified springboards, just waiting to catapult our little ones into harm’s way.
Safer Jumping
Now, before you start ripping up your backyard and selling that trampoline on Craigslist, there’s some good news: with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks. The experts at Reading General Contractor have a few tried-and-true tips to keep your kids safe while they bounce.
First and foremost, enforce a one-at-a-time rule. Doing this decreases the cause of the most common trampoline injuries – kids colliding with each other mid-air. You can create a communication system with special words that signal when someone’s turn is up, or set a strict time limit and use a timer to keep things orderly.
Next, ban all somersaults, flips, and other dangerous tricks. These stunts are a surefire way to end up with a trip to the ER and a very unhappy orthopedist. Stick to good old-fashioned bouncing, and save the acrobatics for the gymnasts.
Of course, equipment maintenance is key. Make sure your trampoline has shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the metal frame, springs, and hooks. And keep a close eye on the condition of those pads – replace them at the first sign of wear and tear.
And don’t forget the all-important safety net. Properly installed netting can be a lifesaver, literally. But don’t assume it’s a foolproof solution – kids have a way of finding creative ways to get injured, even with the best safety features in place.
Creating a Safe Space
Placement is another critical factor in trampoline safety. Keep the trampoline on level ground, away from other structures and trees. And while you’re at it, create a nearby “hang-out” spot where kids can watch their friends jump without being in the line of fire. That way, if someone does take a tumble, they won’t be landing on an unsuspecting bystander.
Finally, make sure an adult is always on hand to supervise. Not only will this help enforce the rules, but it’ll also allow you to keep a close eye on the trampoline’s condition and step in if things start to get a little too wild.
And while you’re at it, why not try turning trampoline time into a fun family activity? Suggest games where kids have to copy each other’s moves or challenge themselves to create new bouncing routines. That way, you can keep them engaged, entertained, and (most importantly) safe.
Wrapping Up
Look, I get it – trampolines are fun. They’re a great way for kids to burn off all that boundless energy, and they can even be a pretty effective tool for improving motor skills and physical coordination. But the cold, hard truth is that they’re also a leading cause of preventable injuries among children.
So, as tempting as it might be to give in to those big, hopeful eyes and set up a backyard bounce zone, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. With the right safety measures in place, you can help minimize the chances of a trip to the ER. But at the end of the day, the decision is yours to make.
