Keep your kids safe this summer

The latest Australian Child Health Poll reveals Australian parents are not supervising children on trampolines, putting them at risk of injury.

The poll found also that the vast majority are allowing more than one child at a time to jump on a trampoline, and less than one in two parents know the specific first aid for treating some trampoline injuries.

Director of the poll, Paediatrician Dr Anthea Rhodes, said while it was impossible to prevent all childhood injuries, the poll was a timely reminder for parents on how to keep their kids safe this Christmas. Dr Rhodes said:

“Many families across the country will be making room for trampolines this Christmas and there’s no reason why they can’t be enjoyed. 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."

Dr Rhodes said there are ways parents can help protect their children.

"To keep kids’ 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,” she said.

Dr Rhodes also advised parents to familiarise themselves with basic first aid for accidents and injuries, and understand guidelines and recommendations to keep their children safe and reduce the risk of serious injury while they play this summer.

The fifth Australian Child Health Poll also found:

• More Australian kids today are jumping on a trampoline (79 per cent) than riding a bicycle (68 per cent) or scooter or skateboard (44 per cent).
• Of those who use a trampoline, one in six has sustained an injury such as broken or fractured bones, concussion, cuts or bruises, or sprains.
• Two thirds (66 per cent) of children who use a trampoline are not always supervised by an adult.
• Twenty per cent of children under two are not always supervised by an adult when on a trampoline.
• Despite guidelines recommending no more than one child on a trampoline at a time, more than 80 per cent of parents said they allow multiple kids to jump on a trampoline.
• One in five parents allow four or more children on a trampoline at once.
• The majority of parents reported knowing the specific first aid for a bleeding wound (84 per cent) and over half for a broken bone (55 per cent), however only one in two parents know the specific first aid for a head injury, dislodged tooth or an unconscious child (49 per cent).

Read more on growing healthy kids.