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Safe Play Environment

Safety
Zehava Romano, Head of Medical Services Division, Medical Directorate, Ministry of Health;  Dafna Levi, Head of Child Safety Department, Medical Directorate, Ministry of Health
12 April 2026

Play is vital for children's development, and the environment in which they play must be adapted to the child's age.

Here are some general rules which are suitable for any age:

  • It is important to ensure that every game has an age label and Israeli Standard mark (SI 562).
  • A small game that can fit in a Kinder Egg is not suitable for children under three years.
  • Never allow children to play with nylon bags, or uninflated balloons, empty medication or cleaning product containers.

Play is much more than just fun and games – it is essential for a child's development. Through play, children develop motor, emotional, cognitive, and social skills. Play strengthens the parent-child bond, creates positive feelings, teaches cooperation and enables children to discover their strengths.

Alongside these benefits, there is also the matter of child safety during play. It is therefore important to understand how to create a safe environment that allows for free and enjoyable play, without risks or injuries.

This article will help you understand what to look out for at every age, how to arrange your home and yard, and how to best guide your children to play safely.

General safety rules for play at any age

Here are a few important rules to follow at any age:

Age labeling on the packaging: Every game's packaging must specify the age for which it is suitable. This is not just a general recommendation; it is based on scientific research regarding physical and cognitive development at a specific age. A game that does not suit the child's age may contain small parts that could be swallowed, require over-complicated motor skills, or result in unsafe use. It is essential to take this labeling seriously.

Israeli Standard mark: The standard mark (SI 562) on the packaging indicates that the game has undergone safety tests. This ensures that the game is made of safe materials and meets safety requirements.

"The Kinder Egg rule": If a part of the game can fit inside a Kinder Egg, it is not suitable for children under the age of three. This is a simple rule of thumb that helps to identify parts that are too small and may be swallowed and lead to choking.

Magnets and batteries: Games with magnets are allowed, but it is important to ensure that the magnetic parts are strong and cannot become detached from the plastic to which they are attached, especially at a young age, to prevent swallowing and the risk of choking. For battery-operated games, it is important to ensure that the battery compartment is tightly closed, preferably with a screw.

Objects prohibited for play: Certain items may seem harmless, but they pose risks for children:

  • Nylon bags: These can adhere to the mouth and nose and pose a choking hazard.
  • Uninflated balloons: These may enter the throat and obstruct breathing.
  • Empty medication or cleaning product containers: These are very dangerous for play as children may get confused and think they are allowed to play with them even when they are full.

Game integrity: Before first use, or after a game has fallen on the floor, or has been damaged, it is important to check:

  • Are all the parts intact?
  • Are there any broken or loose parts?
  • Are there any sharp or protruding parts?

Additional age-appropriate adjustments

Every age brings its own challenges and different abilities, and the parental role also changes.

Here is the complete guide by age groups:

Main risks: Suffocation, falls, and head injuries.

Parental role: Full supervision - always be together with the baby.

Play environment: The safest and most suitable place for babies is an activity mat on the floor, together with the parent.

Additional emphases for this age:

  • Baby mobile: If there is a mobile above the crib, ensure that the length of the cords holding the parts does not exceed 22 centimeters - longer cords may wrap around the infant's neck and pose a strangulation hazard.
  • Water games and swimming pools: At this age, the parent must hold the infant in their arms. A baby float ring is unsafe as it poses a rollover risk, and most arm floaties are also not suitable for this age. Therefore, in any situation, a responsible adult must be with the infant in the water, within arm's reach, with full eye contact and without distractions (such as a phone). Additionally, infants must never be left alone in the water - not even for a second and even in small pools.
  • Age-appropriate games: Soft dolls and stuffed animals, cloth toys, safety mirrors, glowing toys, teethers and rings, activity mats, board books, soft blocks, nesting containers, simple shape sorters, and push-and-pull toys.

For further safety guidelines relevant to all ages

Main risks: Suffocation, falls, or burns.

Parental role: Organizing the play environment and close supervision.

Play environment: An open play environment without furniture. It is important to make the games accessible and within the children's reach to prevent dangerous climbing. Additionally, it is important to keep hot drinks away from the play area.

Additional emphases for this age:

  • Moving toys: Keep toys such as push walkers, ride-on toys, and doll strollers away from stairs, as they may lead to slips and falls.
  • Wheels and helmets: For any ride-on toys with wheels (such as tricycles and similar), always have your child wear a helmet.
  • Activities with small objects: Such as threading large beads and matching parts; these must always be done in the presence of parents and under their supervision.
  • Water games and swimming pools: At this age, arm floaties can already be fitted according to age and weight; ensure you choose a product that meets safety standards. Baby floats are still not safe as they pose a rollover risk. Naturally, at this age as well, a responsible adult must be in the water with the child, within arm's reach, maintaining full eye contact and without distractions.
  • Trampolines and inflatable bouncers: It is important to choose age-appropriate inflatable bouncers. It is recommended that only one child jumps at a time, as most injuries occur when multiple children are jumping together. If, however, multiple children are allowed to jump at the same time, it is important to prohibit children of different ages from jumping at the same time due to size and weight differences that may lead to injuries. At this age, close adult supervision is required.

Age-appropriate games: Books, craft kits, puzzles, shape sorters, boxed toys, musical instruments, building blocks, toy vehicles, role-play sets (kitchen sets, garages, gas stations), toys representing objects (such as a telephone), dolls, dress-up clothes and accessories, push-and-pull toys, ride-on toys, balls, outdoor toys, and sandbox.

For further safety guidelines relevant to all ages

Main risks at this age: Falls or injuries.

Parental role: Managing the play environment, guidance and support.

Play environment: Open space without furniture, accessible to games. It is important to keep hot drinks away from the play area.

Further emphases for this age:

  • Arts and crafts: Hot glue, scissors, utility knives, and similar games must be used with parental presence and guidance.
  • Wheels: Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards must always be used with a properly fitted and securely fastened helmet.
  • Trampolines: Always ensure the safety net is closed. It is recommended that only one child jumps at a time, as most injuries occur when multiple children are jumping together. If, however, multiple children are allowed to jump at the same time, they should be of a similar age, as size and weight differences may lead to injuries. At this age, close adult supervision is still required.
  • Inflatable bouncers (slides, bounce houses): It is recommended to ensure age and weight limits according to the manufacturer's instructions; not every inflatable bouncer is appropriate for every age. It is important not to allow more children on the bouncer than it is designed for, as overloading can be dangerous. Small children must not play alongside older children, because size and weight differences may lead to injuries. Naturally, in any case, a responsible adult must supervise the children during use, with full and undivided attention.
  • Projectile games (nerf, gel blasters, etc.): Although they are perceived as "toys", they may lead to serious injuries, especially to the eyes and face. It is essential to provide children with clear guidance regarding the method of use and the areas where play is permitted. The danger of aiming the blaster at the face, head, or neck must be emphasized, and it is also recommended to wear protective goggles. Gel blasters must be kept away from young children.
  • Water games and pools: For this age range, it is recommended to begin swimming lessons. It is possible to adjust age and weight-appropriate arm floaties, ensuring the product meets safety standards. In any case, always ensure a responsible adult is in the water with the children. Never leave a child without supervision, not even for a second, including in a home pool.

Age-appropriate games: Books and puzzles, arts and crafts, construction and building sets, pretend play accessories, bicycles (with a helmet), and outdoor toys.

For further safety guidelines relevant to all ages

Main risks: Falls, bruises and sports injuries.

Parental role: Establishing play rules, guidance and supervision.

Further emphases for this age:

  • Wheels: Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards must always be used with a properly fitted and securely fastened helmet.
    Electric bicycles are prohibited for use until the age of 16.
  • Arts and crafts: Hot glue, scissors, utility knives, and similar games – even at this age, parental guidance and supervision are required.
  • Trampolines: Ensure that children of different ages do not jump at the same time because when an older, heavier child jumps alongside a smaller child, their jumps launch the smaller child with great force, which may lead to falls and injuries. It is also important to avoid somersaults and follow safety instructions.
  • Inflatable bouncers: It is important not to allow more children on the bouncer than it is designed for, as overloading can be dangerous. Additionally, young children must not play alongside older children. A responsible adult must always be nearby and supervise the children while the inflatable bouncer is in use with full and undivided attention.
  • Projectile games (nerf, gel blasters, etc.): Even at this age, it is essential to provide children with clear guidance regarding the method for use. The danger of aiming the blaster at the face, head, or neck must be emphasized. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles.
  • Swimming pools: It is important to remember that participating in swimming lessons does not guarantee full proficiency in swimming skills; even older children require supervision. It is recommended to reassess their water skills every year and check whether the child can swim at least 25 meters independently. Furthermore, it is important to discuss safety rules with your children and ensure they understand what to do in case of difficulty or distress.

Sports activities: Participating in sports is essential and contributes to development on many levels. Most injuries occur in public spaces and educational institutions, usually due to improper training, defective training surfaces and facilities, or unsuitable equipment. To prevent them, choose proper activities, provide guidance and support, and focus on teaching skills while maintaining an appropriate effort level. Parental involvement is an important part of this process.

For further safety guidelines relevant to all ages

Creating a safe environment: At home and in the backyard

Proper organization of the home and the backyard can help prevent accidents and allow for safe, free play.

Here are a few recommendations worth following:

  • At home

    • Large games: For example, arts and crafts tables, drawing boards, and play kitchens; it is important to place them in a safe corner, rather than in the center of the house.
    • Distance from windows: Keep large games away from high windows, especially on higher floors.
    • Soft surfacing: Place a soft surface under large games, particularly those that pose a fall risk.
    • Anchoring play equipment: Anchor large play structures to the ground so they won't move or tip over.
    • Small parts, magnets and batteries: Keep these out of reach of small children.

  • In the backyard (and playground)

    Suitable surfacing: Play equipment, such as slides and swings, should be placed on a soft surface like sand or grass, never on concrete or asphalt.

    • Distance from hazards: Do not place play equipment near water sources, barbeques, woodpiles, or sharp edges – or any item that could fall on children or cause them to trip.
    • Stability: Ensure that all play equipment in the backyard or playground is anchored and stable.
    • Helmet: As a reminder: Always wear a helmet whenever riding anything with wheels.
    • Equipment maintenance: Ensure all play equipment is intact, with no broken components or sharp edges.

Age-appropriate guidance for children

Children learn about safety from adults. Since children perceive things differently at every age, it is important to tailor guidance to their level of understanding:

Ages 3-4

Remind children not to put games or any other small objects in their mouths.

Ages 5-7

Reinforce safety instructions, such as: "do not aim a game blaster at anyone's head, not as a game, and not even as a joke", and "always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle".

Ages 8 and up

Children at this age are more mature and cautious; however, it is still worth providing occasional reminders about the importance of playing safely.

In conclusion: A gradual guidance process

The guidelines detailed here are based on data regarding age-appropriate capabilities. However, it is important to remember that as with acquiring any new skill, children must undergo a process of training and guidance even in play.

Your role as a parent is to guide this process in stages: introducing children to potential hazards, teaching them to identify risks, and allowing for gradual self-exploration based on their age and capabilities. As children grow older, they can be granted more independence; however, it is important to remember that these capabilities depend largely on each child's personal experience.

Play is vital. Our goal is to create an environment where children can enjoy themselves, develop, and play safely.

Any further questions? Who to contact

If you have any questions about game safety, contact Beterem organization.

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