Parents in Canada urged not to allow kids to use trampolines

When I was growing up, if there was a kid in the neighborhood that had a trampoline that kid was the most popular person on the block. In the summer, all the local youngsters would head over to double-bounce each other and on hot days, run a sprinkler underneath to cool off. Not only was it great exercise, it was a whole lot of fun.

So I find it disappointing to read that both the Canadian Paediatric Society and Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine have recommended that parents not let their their kids use trampolines at home for recreational purposes. I realize that the bouncy equipment results in loads of injuries each year. According to the information I found, injuries ranged from approximately 20,000 to 60,000 a year in the US based on 5-year period and between 149 and 660 a year in Canada over a 13-year period -- which doesn't sound like much compared to the US numbers but the they are actually pretty similar when looked at on a per capita basis.

Granted that's a lot of broken arms and sprained wrists but rather than suggesting an altogether ban as a solution, I prefer Health Canada's approach which advocates educating kids about the dangers of trampoline use. Basically, parents need to be reasonable and take responsibility for their kids safety. It's important to advise children on safe trampoline use, set strict boundaries and be willing to take the time to supervise but I don't think that it's necessary to prevent your kids from using trampolines at all.