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Rules to Follow for Safety on the Playground

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Playground Safety Rules

The playground should be a fun place for kids, but unfortunately injuries occur on playgrounds across the country every day. Parents, caregivers and children need to do everything possible to ensure that playtime is fun time and no one gets hurt. Following playground safety rules is one of the best ways to make sure kids are able to enjoy the playground without incident.

Playground Safety Rules for Parents and Caregivers

For parents who are focused on safety, below are several important playground rules:

  • Actively supervise children on playgrounds: You should always have your eye on your kids as they play on playground equipment.
  • Choose playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces: Your child is much less likely to suffer severe injury at a playground with synthetic turf, sand, mulch or wood chips. Playgrounds with a concrete surface can cause more severe damage in the event of an accident. If your child falls on a shock-absorbing surface, his/her fall will be cushioned.
  • Proper Attire: Dress appropriately and make sure kids are dressed appropriately. You should remove purses, scarves and necklaces that could become caught in playground equipment.
  • Choose age-appropriate playground equipment: Your kids should only play on equipment that is safe for them to use given their current age and skill level.
  • Teach your children safe playground behavior: Kids should know that shoving, pushing or crowding is forbidden.

If parents keep these safety rules in mind, they can significantly reduce the chance of a playground injury.

Playground Safety Rules for Kids

Children need to have clear ground rules set before they head to the playground. It is good practice to review basic safety rules during the ride or walk to the park. Some basic rules for children at playgrounds include the following:

  • Sit down on the swings and slow down before getting off. Trying to stand on, or jump off swings is dangerous.
  • Use both hands when climbing.
  • Avoid climbing on wet equipment. Wet equipment could be slippery and could lead to a fall.
  • Never climb up the front of slides. Kids are in danger of getting injured by someone coming down the slide if they try to climb up it. Furthermore, they could slip and fall when climbing up the front of a slide the wrong way.
  • Avoid walking in front of swings. A child could be hit when walking too near another person on a swing.
  • Avoid broken equipment. Children need to be aware that they should never play on broken equipment, and that they should let an adult know right away if there is a problem with the equipment.
  • Avoid pushing or shoving. Children should take turns using playground equipment and should not crowd or push others to get onto playground apparatuses.

Parents should set clear safety rules for children and those who operate playgrounds should also make clear that both adults and kids need to take reasonable active safety precautions, and adults need to engage in active supervision in order to avoid injury on the playground.

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