kids

Specialists warn parents who are ignoring important trampoline safety guidelines.

Most parents are shunning safety guidelines by allowing more than one child on a trampoline and not supervising children while they use them – according to a new Australian Child Health poll.

The warning comes at a time when jumping on a trampoline is said to be more popular than riding a bicycle, scooter or skateboard.

Australia’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, advises that only one child at a time should be on a trampoline and all children – regardless of age – should be supervised.

But more than 80 per cent of parents surveyed for the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne admitted they allow multiple kids to jump on a trampoline.

One in six children has sustained an injury from trampolining including broken or fractured bones, concussion, cuts, bruises, or sprains.

“Many families across the country will be making room for trampolines this Christmas and there’s no reason why they can’t be enjoyed,” Paediatrician Anthea Rhodes said.

“Trampolines can be safe if used properly, but allowing multiple children on a trampoline has been compared to cage fighting by our trauma service at The Royal Children’s Hospital,” she added.

But Dr Rhodes says the accidents and injuries are avoidable and advises parents to “familiarise themselves with basic first aid for accidents and injuries”.

Most of the 2000 parents surveyed said they knew basic first aid but only one in two parents knew how to give first aid to a child with a head injury, dislodged tooth or an unconscious child.

“It doesn’t matter what age your child is, to keep them safe on trampolines, my advice is to allow no more than one child at a time on the trampoline, and to supervise them at all times, regardless of their age,” Dr Rhodes said.