Are recreational trampolines safe?

Recreational trampolines are not safe. With the growing popularity of trampoline parks, the number of injuries related to trampolines is on the rise in Canada.

Can my child be injured on a trampoline?

Trampoline injuries are most common among children 5 to 14 years of age and include:

• cuts and bruises,
• sprains and strains,
• broken bones,
• head injuries, and
• though rare, injuries to the back and neck that have caused paralysis or death.

Is there a safe way to use a trampoline at home?

Using a trampoline at home is not a safe way for children and youth to play. Injuries can happen even when adults are supervising.  And safety enclosures (nets) around the trampoline do not prevent all injuries.

Many injuries happen when:

• there is more than one child on the trampoline at the same time,
• doing “tricks” such as flips or somersaults,
• landing hard or the wrong way when jumping, or
• children are pushed or fall off the trampoline.

Are trampoline parks safer?

Trampoline parks carry serious risk of injury to children. Injuries often involve lower body sprains and fractures. Although rare, open fractures and spinal cord injuries can happen.

Emergency department visits for trampoline park injuries are more and more common. Children with trampoline park injuries are also more likely to be admitted to the hospital than those with home trampoline injuries.

For these reasons, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends:

• Parents should not buy trampolines for their children or teens to use at home.
• Trampolines should not be considered play equipment.
• Trampolines should not be part of outdoor playgrounds.
• Trampoline parks should not be considered safer than home trampolines.
• Considering the risks and dangers before you participate, send your child to participate, or host a party at an indoor trampoline park.