Are Trampolines Safe for Kids? A Doctor Weighs In on the Risks and Safety Tips

With parents increasingly looking for fun ways to get their children to exercise, trampolines might seem like an ideal solution. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a strong warning for families: home trampoline use is "strongly discouraged" due to the risk of catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord damage that can result in permanent neurological harm.

Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert and emergency physician, highlights the dangers associated with trampoline use. From 2009 to 2018, more than 800,000 trampoline-related injuries were reported, with over 36,000 resulting in hospital admissions. Common injuries include fractures to the arms and legs, head and neck injuries, and internal organ damage.

Why Are Trampolines So Dangerous?

The risks come from multiple factors:

• Collisions: Kids jumping simultaneously often collide, leading to injuries.
• Wrong landings: Improper landings, especially during somersaults or flips, increase the risk of severe injury.
• Falling off: Elevated trampolines present a fall hazard, and even trampolines with padding and nets can’t prevent every injury.
• Multiple jumpers: When one child jumps, the force can send another flying, sometimes leading to crashes.

The AAP recommends that if families decide to use a trampoline, it should only be used by one person at a time to minimize risks, and children under 6 years old should not be allowed to use trampolines at all due to their higher vulnerability to fractures and dislocations.

Home vs. Commercial Venue: Which Is Safer?

Commercial trampoline parks may seem like a safer option, but research shows mixed results. A 2020 meta-analysis found that injuries sustained at trampoline parks were more likely to require surgery compared to those from home trampolines. Trampoline parks often have multiple jumpers at once, increasing the risk of collisions, while their high-bounce surfaces allow jumpers to reach greater heights, increasing the chance of serious falls.

Tips for Safer Trampolining

For parents who still allow trampoline use, there are steps they can take to reduce risks:

1. Inspect the Trampoline: Check for worn nets, damaged pads, and exposed springs. Ensure the trampoline is set low to the ground and away from objects like trees and walls.
2. Avoid Busy Times at Trampoline Parks: Fewer jumpers reduce the risk of collisions. Stay close to your child and encourage them to avoid risky maneuvers like flips.
3. Limit Use for Younger Kids: Children under 6 should avoid trampolines altogether. If they must jump, ensure strict supervision.
4. Check Your Insurance: If you have a trampoline at home, make sure your homeowners insurance covers trampoline-related injuries, especially for guests.

Dr. Wen, while recognizing the dangers, also acknowledges the challenge of completely avoiding trampolines, especially when they’re part of social activities like birthday parties. She recommends a harm-reduction approach, such as setting clear rules and supervising children closely.

Ultimately, every family has to assess their own comfort with risk, but understanding the dangers is key to making informed decisions.

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