http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24280601-421,00.html# Trampoline boxing proves a dangerous hitBy Mark Schliebs September 02, 2008 09:49am Article from: Font size: + - Send this article: Print Email Children bashing each other on trampolines Videos loaded onto Youtube and copied by others Safety expert says great potential for injury AUSTRALIAN children are becoming internet stars by filming themselves bashing each other on top of trampolines. Hundreds of “trampoline boxing†match videos have been uploaded onto websites such as YouTube and viewers have replicated the activity in backyards across the nation. Many of the videos posted by Australian Youtube users feature young children wearing boxing gloves and fighting on unenclosed trampolines. In another video, a group of teenagers ferociously attack each other – but laugh about their efforts throughout the fight. Monash University’s Accident Research Centre coordinator Karen Ashby said jumping around alone on a trampoline has risks, without having someone hitting you. “It’s not designed to be a temporary bouncing boxing ring,†Ms Ashby said. She said many children have had teeth knocked, received black eyes and broken noses while jumping on a trampoline with another person. “That’s just potential injuries that comes out regular use with two kids jumping up and down, but that doesn’t even go anywhere near kids punching each other… donning boxing gloves and intentionally trying to hit each other.†UTS engineering professor and trampoline safety expert David Eager said the force of a punch from someone bouncing on a trampoline was probably less dangerous than if they were on firm ground. “It’s probably safer for them than doing it on terra firma,†Dr Eager said. Because the fighters would not have two feet firmly planted on the ground to help gather force for each punch, the damage would be less, he said. Dr Eager said it was up to parents to make sure their children were not hurt. “Kids will be kids, and it’s the parental supervision that should be the intervention,†he said. “Inappropriate behaviour is a part of growing up.â€
