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Kids and trampolines: A dangerous combination

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends that trampolines should never be used in the home environment, in routine physical education classes, or in outdoor playgrounds. The AAP, a national body of pediatricians, has good reason to warn parents against allowing their children to play on a trampoline — the risk of serious injury or even death.

Kids in the Treasure Valley are no exception. During the spring and summer months, approximately thirty percent of patients with fractures sustained these injuries on a trampoline in a pediatric orthopaedic clinic. Many of these patients sustain severe injuries, which includes concussions, broken bones, and growth plate injuries. Growth plate fractures are especially worrisome, as they can lead to long term problems with abnormal growth.

Over 83,000 trampoline-related injuries occurred in the United States in 1996, a 140% higher annual rate than was reported in 1990, and the majority of these injuries were sustained on home trampolines. Children under age 5 are at a high risk for injury, and strain/sprain was the most common diagnosis (40% of injuries), followed by fractures (30%). Six trampoline-related deaths have been reported since 1990, most of which occurred when victims fell from trampolines and sustained cervical spinal cord injuries.

The AAP states, "The trampoline should not be used at home, inside or outside . . . [and] has no place in outdoor playgrounds and should never be regarded as play equipment."

Although the AAP believes that the children should not play on trampolines, many families will continue to use them. If you own a trampoline and continue to use it, be aware of the risks. Trampolines cannot be made risk-free, but you can take steps to minimize the risks to your children.

  • Think twice before allowing your child to get on it, and never allow a child under age six on a trampoline.
  • Make sure that children are supervised by an adult or mature teenager.
  • Never allow more than one person on the trampoline at a time. Most trampoline injuries occur when a child is knocked off of the trampoline by another child.
  • Check the trampoline regularly. Look for tears in the membrane, damaged springs, etc.
  • Place the trampoline in as safe an environment as possible, away from rocks, trees, and other potentially harmful objects.
  • Ideally, trampolines should be recessed in the ground, with padding around both the trampoline and springs. Placing a safety net around the trampoline can also help reduce the risk of injury.


    • For more information on trampoline safety, visit the AAP Web site, www.aap.org.