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There's something in the backyard that's fun, but a hidden danger.

Every year, thousands of parents still purchase this injury causing toy. Each year this piece of equipment causes a range of minor through to severe injuries. What is it?

• Over 6000 Australian children admitted to emergency departments each year after being injured by 'it'... (source: QLD Injury Survey Unit, in Injury Bulletin #58, March 2000, Hockey, R & Miles, L)
• Thousands more visit local doctors and dentists for chipped teeth and stitches - the 'minor' injuries 'it'
• Top paediatrics societies demand parents should 'just get rid of it' (American Association of Paediatrics, www.aap.org)

'It' is the traditional backyard trampoline, springs and all! - But 70,000 families still aren't clued into the dangers and will unwittingly invite a danger trap into their family backyard.

But that doesn't mean the only answer is to stop jumping, Dr Susan Adams from child safety watchdog, Kidsafe, says there is such a thing as a safe trampoline.

"We're impressed by the focus SpringFree trampoline designers have placed on reducing trampoline injury by removing the hard frame and springs from the jumping surface, and adding a strong flexible enclosure".

"Safety focused parents and media need to look at this option".

The SpringFree is a high-tech design with its bounce provided by fibre glass rods, positioned under the jumping surface, which means there's nothing hard in the jumping area.

Australian MD Ken Goodall says traditional trampolines should be banned now there is a safe option

"Imagine if a major car manufacturer sold a product to which you could directly attribute at least 6000 injuries per year. It would be recalled no questions asked. Responsible watchdogs need to crack down on traditional trampolines, they're not toys, they're injury traps".

Media enquiries: Kristen Hill 0432 693 929

Last changed: May 29 2010 at 2:01 PM

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