Parents and kids alike would feel more comfortable using trampolines with trampoline safety nets. From the term itself, one need not spend an entire hour researching what it does. However, despite the obvious advantage of using these nets, some people are surprisingly against it.
The Accessories
As an accessory of this all-time favorite American recreational and fitness equipment, nets are placed around trampolines. Once properly secured, they would seem to create an play pen enclosure which practically prevents any accidents from occurring, especially with young jumpers. To these young jumpers, these bright-colored nets are visual reminders for them to keep to the center of the mat to avoid jumping off the edge of the trampoline.
Trampoline safety nets can also be used with safety pads. These go around the frame and springs of the trampoline, serving the same purpose as the nets. Nets can also go around the safety pads or in and through the inner portion of the frame and pads.
Why Some Are Against It
Not everyone is sold out on using trampoline nets. They believe that while they obviously offer protection and prevent accidents among young users, they also create a false sense of security among parents and guardians. Studies have shown that accidents other than falls still occur due to unsupervised trampoline use.
It is common knowledge that kids can be quick to try different stunts when they are not being watched over. When left unsupervised, kids can become rowdy on the trampoline. Especially when jumping in groups, they can end up bumping against each other while on air or when they land. Even trained young jumpers tend to be over-confident with flips and complicated jumps simply because they think nets and pads can keep them safe and invincible.
Trampoline safety nets, according to its critics, can make both parents and kids complacent.
This need not be the case though. Since more parents are becoming aware that the security it offers can only be up to a certain extent, parents should be wise not completely rely on nets to keep their kids safe when playing.
What Parents Can Do
1. Young jumpers should be constantly reminded of what is allowed to do on a trampoline and what is not.
2. First time jumpers should be given even just a minimal training or briefing on the safety dos and don’ts in using a trampoline.
3. When jumping in groups, toddlers should not be allowed to play or jump in with older kids. Toddlers are safer and better off using mini trampolines with handle bars.
Although its critics may have valid arguments for discrediting trampoline safety nets, it is not entirely fair to discount its inherent value and function. For all the years that it has served as a safety accessory for trampoline users, it has served well in preventing accidents as far as jumping off the edge is concerned. The controversy over trampoline safety nets is not so much on its ability to provide a certain degree of safety to users as much as it is on the complacency of parents because of it. In any case though, with or without safety pads and nets, wise parents should know better than to leave their kids completely unattended.
