Popular Games: Safety Rules

Nerf blasters are games that imitate real guns and shot small arrows made of foam or soft rubber. This might sound innocent; however, there are certain issues to consider in order to use them safely:

• Appropriate age: Nerf blasters are recommended for ages 8 and up and must not be given to younger children.
• Inspect before use: Ensure the blaster is intact, the darts are not torn, and there are no broken components.
• Establish clear ground rules: It is important to explain to children that it is prohibited to aim at the face, head or neck, not as a game, and not as a joke.
• Proper loading: While loading, the blaster should not be pointed toward the shooter as darts may accidentally discharge and injure someone.
• Location of play: It is preferrable to play in an open yard rather than a closed room, as a ball or a dart that hits the wall may bounce back with significant force.

Gel blasters are recommended mainly for adolescents (ages 14 and up) and shoot small gel balls that expand upon contact with water. This game requires special caution for several reasons:

• They hit with significant force and may cause injuries.
• The gel balls may cause suffocation as they expand up to 5 times their size upon contact with water or saliva.
• The noise from the shots may lead to hearing impairment.

So, how can you ensure safe use? Here are a few rules:

• Adhere to age limit: If "Ages 14 and up" is specified, do not let younger children play with the game and keep it out of their reach.
• Supervision is still required at the age of 14: Even if the child is of the appropriate age, you should still supervise the play.

A trampoline is a fun game: Jumping, burning off energy and plenty of wild play. However, it is important to know that it is one of the activities that cause the most injuries. These are a few of the injuries that may happen:

• Falling off the trampoline onto the floor (even from a low height).
• Sudden stops that may injure an arm or leg.
• Colliding with other children jumping at the same time.

How to jump safely? Here are a few recommendations:

• Minimum age: Trampolines are recommended for children aged 4 and up.
• Closing the safety net: Before each jump, it is important to ensure that the safety net is closed.
• One child at a time: This is the most important rule; most injuries occur when several children jump together.
• Safety padding: It is advisable to use special pad (cushion) around the trampoline.
• Supervision: Always ensure that an adult is supervising the jumping.
• Proper placement: Place the trampoline away from walls, trees, or furniture.
• No somersaults: It is important to explain to children that somersaults are dangerous.

Inflatable pools are children's favorite activity, especially during the hot summer days. However, a water environment always requires full attention. Here are several important safety rules to follow at the pool:

• Constant, close supervision at all times: This is the most important rule. Children can drown quickly, even in a small, shallow pool.

○      Up to 1 year old: Keep your baby in your arms. Do not use a baby pool float – the baby may flip over.

○      At any age: An adult must remain within arm's reach, maintaining full eye contact without distractions, such as a phone. Not even for a second.

• Arm floaties: From age 1, arm floaties can be fitted to the child based on their weight and age. It is important to choose a product that meets the standards. Up to age three, baby floats are unsafe as the baby may flip over.
• Inspecting the pool: It is important to ensure that the pool has no punctures.
• Water temperature: Before entering the water, ensure the water is not too warm.
• Swimming lessons: It is highly advisable to sign children up for swimming lessons; however, it is important to know that lessons alone do not guarantee full water proficiency. It is recommended to reassess their swimming skills every year and confirm that the child can swim at least 25 meters independently.

Slides and bounce houses are among the most enjoyable activities for children, as they allow them to jump, climb and slide freely. However, there are several important safety rules to follow:

• Proper placement: Ensure the inflatable bouncer is stable and anchored. It is advisable to place it on a soft surface (sand or grass), rather than concrete.
• Age and weight guidelines: Not every inflatable is appropriate for all ages; it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Avoid overloading: There is a limit to the number of children that can use the bouncer together. Overloading can be dangerous.
• Age separation: Young children must not play alongside older children, as differences in size and weight can lead to injuries.
• Supervision: An adult must provide undivided attention.

Swings are a classic and beloved activity, but they also require careful attention:

• Weight capacity: It is important to check the maximum weight the swing can support.
• Soft surface: The surface underneath the swing must be soft, to cushion any falls.
• Safety zone: Ensure there are no obstacles around the swing.
• Proper seating: It is important to hold the swing with both hands and not stand on the seat.
• One child at a time: Unless the swing is designed for multiple children. On a seesaw, children of similar age and weight should ride together.

Riding on wheels is fun but requires caution. Here are several rules worth knowing:

• Tricycles are less stable than bicycles, and can tip over easily, especially during sharp turns or at high speeds.
• Bicycles require balancing: Young children who are still developing this skill are prone to falls.

Here are several important safety rules to follow:

• Wearing a helmet: Do not take this lightly; children should not be given a choice in this matter. A helmet is a must for every ride, as head injury can be extremely severe.
• Safe surface: Riding should not take place near roads with cars, or on steep slopes.
• Proper equipment: Ensure that the wheels, brakes and all other components are intact. On a tricycle, ensure there is a safety belt.
• Electric bicycles: These are prohibited for use until the age of 16.