Playgrounds and child safety

Play is an important part of a child’s development. Playing outside in the fresh air can be fun and adventurous, especially when there are playmates. With careful planning, play environments can be both challenging and safe for children.

A backyard or local playground gives children plenty of scope to run, climb, swing, explore and play imaginative games.

The benefits of playgrounds#

Being outdoors encourages all kinds of free play and helps children understand their environment. A well-designed playground stimulates a child’s imagination and encourages them to explore new ways to play. Playgrounds give children the chance to:

• Be physically active
• Be challenged and take small risks
• Socialise with friends and learn to cooperate
• Use their imagination
• Play independently

Playground injuries can often be avoided#

Most child injuries in playgrounds are the result of falls. The majority are minor, such as scratches or bruises, but sometimes they result in fractures. Other rare but serious injuries include spinal and head injuries.

Climbing can be fun, but high drops increase the risk of injury. Given their own time and space, most children will safely and gradually increase the height they are comfortable climbing.

To help make landings safer, check that there is suitable impact-attenuating surfacing beneath and around all play equipment. This is a softer surface that reduces the risk of injury from falls, and it should meet recognised safety standards for playground surfacing. It can include loose-fill materials such as bark or sand, or solid materials such as wet-pour rubber.

Tips for protecting your child’s safety#

To encourage safe play:

• Plan ahead for active time and get children outdoors as often as possible in safe environments
• Make sure children use equipment that is appropriate for their age and abilities
• Supervise young children at all times and keep them within eyesight while outdoors
• Be a role model of active but sensible play, and encourage children to use equipment creatively but safely
• Provide water so children can rehydrate during and after play
• Modify play for a sick or injured child if they are well enough to take an interest, placing less emphasis on competing and more on creativity, socialising, having fun and taking part
• Protect your child from the sun with suitable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

Set up play areas away from driveways, roads and water hazards, and keep young children within an adult’s sight at all times. When UV levels are low, routine sun protection may not be needed, unless you are spending extended periods outdoors or are near reflective surfaces such as snow.

Playground equipment at home#

Safety suggestions for a backyard playground include:

• Make sure equipment is suitable for the age and abilities of your children
• Set up equipment in a safe, shaded area that is easy to supervise and away from hazards such as swimming pools, roads and driveways
• Ensure equipment is strong, sturdy and securely anchored
• Make any raised platform secure with a guard or handrail
• Cover all hooks, nails and bolts
• Make sure equipment has no sharp edges, splinters or protruding parts that could pierce skin or catch in a child’s hair or clothing
• Use rubber surfaces, as they provide better grip than metal or wood
• Check equipment regularly for signs of wear and tear
• Use impact-attenuating surfacing underneath equipment for a softer landing; loose-fill materials such as sand and bark should be installed and maintained to a minimum depth of 300 mm
• Consider natural play elements such as digging patches, boulders and sandpits for unstructured, spontaneous play
• Remove any poisonous plants that could harm or cause illness in children

Safety on trampolines#

Trampolines can be great for children’s balance, coordination and fitness. However, many children are taken to hospital each year for trampoline-related injuries such as cuts, sprains and fractures. The most important safeguard is adult supervision.

Safety guidelines include:

• Choose a trampoline that meets recognised safety standards
• Never set up or use a trampoline on concrete, as falling onto this hard surface is likely to cause major injuries
• Surround the trampoline with impact-absorbing material such as bark or mulch that meets recognised safety standards
• Watch children at all times, taking extra care with younger children as they are more prone to serious injury
• Keep the trampoline in good order and replace worn parts promptly
• If the trampoline is outside, check regularly for rust and other damage
• Regularly check that the mat and net have no holes, the springs are intact and securely attached at both ends, the frame is not bent, and the leg braces are locked
• Keep the area around the trampoline free of hazards such as fences and garden furniture, with overhead clearance from trees and wires
• Always use safety padding on the frame and cover the springs with padded mats
• A safety enclosure can help prevent falls, but should not be relied on by itself; children still need to play safely and be supervised at all times

Other important points:

• Large trampolines are not recommended for children under six years of age
• Consider installing the trampoline in the ground to reduce fall heights and provide greater stability
• Do not allow drinking or eating while bouncing because of the risk of choking
• Have children use the trampoline with bare feet for better grip
• Allow only one child on the trampoline at a time
• Encourage children to jump in the centre, not near the sides
• Teach children to get on and off slowly and safely
• Clear the area around the trampoline of obstacles, toys and debris

Local council and public playgrounds#

Public playgrounds usually have a range of equipment for children of all ages. To help keep children safe:

• Make sure your child only uses equipment suitable for their age, strength and coordination
• Remind your child to be aware of other children, particularly near swings or other moving equipment
• Always supervise children
• Report any equipment that needs repair or maintenance to the body responsible for the playground

First aid advice#

Emergency medical treatment for young children is not always the same as for adults, which is why all parents should ideally take a course in paediatric (child) first aid. Courses are particularly helpful for parents, grandparents, nannies, sports coaches and childcare providers, and you can search for a first aid training provider in your area.

Never hesitate to call for an ambulance if your child is injured. Use your local emergency number to get help quickly.

Key points#

• Play is an important part of a child’s development
• Climbing can be fun but the high drops can increase the risk of injury
• Loose fill materials (such as sand and bark) should be installed and maintained to a minimum depth of 300 mm
• Remove any poisonous plants that may harm or cause illness in children
• Never set-up or use the trampoline on concrete, as falling onto this hard surface is likely to cause major injuries

Where to get help#