TABLE 3.
Policy regarding trampoline use by children
| Organization, year (reference) | Position |
|---|---|
| Health Canada, 2005 (28) | Advises caution with restrictions: adequate supervision; one person at a time; older than six years of age; no ladders; no somersaults; shock-absorbing pads; enclosure netting; trampoline at ground level. |
| American Academy of Pediatrics, 1999 (17) | Trampolines should not be used at home; parents should never purchase or allow children to use home trampolines. Trampolines should not be in playgrounds, viewed as play equipment or be part of physical education classes. Limited use of trampolines in supervised training programs with use of safety pads, safety harnesses or spotting belts, trampoline mat at ground level, only one person at a time, competent spotters |
| Safe Kids Canada, 2005 (27) | Adheres to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations. |
| American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2005 (29) | Trampolines should not be used for unsupervised recreational activity and never by children younger than six years of age. Adherence to Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2000 (20) | Only one person at a time; no somersaults; shock-absorbing pads covering springs, hooks and frame; placing trampoline away from structures/play areas; no ladders; older than six years of age; supervision at all times; enclosures. |
| Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, Government of Western Australia/Kidsafe WA, 2001 (31) | Children younger than six years of age should be supervised at all times; older children should have strict guidelines for use; one person at a time; bounce near centre of mat; step on and off mat; avoid risky manoeuvres. |
| Victorian Injury Surveillance System, 1992 (21) and 2000 (22) | Trampolines should not be regarded as play equipment; parents not encouraged to purchase backyard trampolines. Ideally trampolining should be done in a supervised setting with trained personnel, using harnesses for difficult manoeuvres. If parents purchase backyard trampolines, they should only be used with strict adult supervision; no somersaults; one person at a time; keep to centre of mat; step on and off mat. |