Trampoline injuries rise, parents may be to blame - experts

The frequency and rate of tramp injuries is highest for children aged five to nine. Photo / Thinkstock

The number of children being hospitalised with trampoline injuries is going up despite improved product safety standards.

Researchers say this may flow partly from parents wrongly believing that netted enclosures eradicate the risk of injury and the need for constant supervision.

The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, found that on average, there were 1737 trampoline injuries reported nationally each year from 2002 to 2011.

They increased from 1392 cases in 2002/03 to 1982 in 2010/11, with the highest number of 2098 being recorded in 2008/09.

The frequency and rate is highest for children aged five to nine.

The researchers, from Monash University, Flinders University and UTS, said that despite improved product standards, including safety enclosure netting, the expected drop in injuries hadn't eventuated.

Falls caused the most accidents, with 81 per cent resulting in a fracture, usually to arms.

Non-fall injuries, mainly colliding with another user or over-exertion, was also dominated by fractures, but mainly to legs.

Netted enclosures may have led parents to wrongly believe children were only injured when they fell from the frame, the researchers said.

In response to the increase, a revised Australian mandatory standard is due to be introduced in two stages.

"It is thus important that the product mandating be coupled or linked to other injury prevention strategies such as public awareness and education," the researchers said.

"In addition, the buy-back and destruction of old and dangerous products would accelerate the reduction in injuries."

- AAP