As a pediatric occupational therapist, I was pleased to see Kristi O’Harran’s May 9 column regarding the dangers of backyard trampolines. Therefore I was surprised and disappointed to read another Kristi O’Harran column on May 19 in which people defended the use of backyard trampolines.
The quote from parent Tina Appling stating that “it is good to have fun things to encourage kids to go outside and get exercise” is extremely short-sighted since it does not take into consideration the safety aspect of such activities. “Fun” is not the same as “safe.” This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents should never purchase a backyard trampoline or allow children to use a backyard trampoline.
In response to the absurd comment from a 27-year-old with no kids of his own that trampolines should not be banned from backyards because “it’s the people’s job to take responsibility for themselves” – apparently he has overlooked the fact that children are not mature enough to make responsible decisions, therefore their parents are responsible for ensuring their safety whenever possible by protecting them from hazards in their environment. I urge all parents to acquaint themselves with the dangers of trampolines and the recommendations from the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons for minimizing serious injury, and then follow these guidelines consistently. Better yet, don’t even buy a trampoline and expose your children to the accompanying risk of serious injury!
Karen Richards
Snohomish
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