The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that trampolinesnever be used at home, in routine gym classes, or on playgrounds.

Trampolines can be very dangerous. Almost two-thirds of the people injured from trampolines are children ages 6 through 14 years. Common injuries include the following:

• Broken bones (sometimes needing surgery)
• Concussions and other head injuries
• Sprains/strains
• Bruises, scrapes and cuts
• Neck and spinal cord injuries that can result in permanent paralysis or death also occur

Children can be hurt on trampolines in many ways. Most injuries result from the following:

• Landing wrong while jumping
• Attempting stunts
• Colliding with another person on the trampoline
• Falling or jumping off the trampoline
• Landing on the springs or frame of the trampoline

Adult supervision will not adequately prevent injuries on home trampolines. Trampolines should be used only in supervised training programs for gymnastics, diving or other competitive sports. A professional trained in trampoline safety always should supervise the use of trampolines.