Children’s toys can occupy children’s attention for a certain number of hours, but no volume of children’s toys in the world can prevent them from having fun on a playground. Children should be given time to play outside, if only for fresh air and exercise. Going to the playgrounds also gives them the opportunity to develop social skills.

Playgrounds, however, are not exactly the safest place to leave a child unattended. Adult supervision is necessary to ensure that children’s behavior around the playground does not harm them or other children. Adults should also ensure that the park itself is safe to use.

Parents and guardians are also responsible for teaching children how to be safe while playing. These are general rules that children should learn about playground safety:

1. Do not push

Emphasize to children, especially young children, the dangers of pushing and teasing while on gyms, slides, seesaws, swings, and other jungle equipment. Tell them the possible outcome when they do: either they hurt themselves physically or they may hurt their fellow players.

2. Use the equipment correctly

Before letting them play, it is important to teach them the correct way to use playground equipment. Children are more likely to use playground equipment based on their own imaginations. Therefore, it should be taught that they should slide with their feet first when playing on the slides and that they should not climb over the outer rails. They should also be reminded not to stand on swings and not to put their hands near moving parts.

3. Jump with caution

Reminding a child not to jump while playing is useless exercise. It is much more productive to teach them that when they jump, they must first check that there are no other children in their path and that they must land on both feet with their knees slightly bent.

4. Leave your things in a proper place.

Teach them to be aware of all possible tripping hazards, such as tree roots and rocks. Make them realize why it is important to keep other children’s bags, backpacks, bicycles, and toys away from the area where they are playing.

5. Don’t play when the equipment is hot or humid

Children should be taught the dangers of using wet play equipment. Parents should point out that moisture makes surfaces slippery and could lead to accidents.

During the summer, children should also be reminded not to play with hot equipment, especially those that are made of metal.

6. Leave children’s toys behind

Children, especially younger ones, should be discouraged from carrying children’s toys while playing so that they can properly grasp the playground equipment.

7. Don’t wear anything with strings

Emphasize to children the danger of wearing lace-up clothing while on a playground. Young girls should be aware that the straps on their bags or necklaces can catch on equipment and accidentally strangle them.

8. Choose play structures wisely

Children need to understand the dangers of playing in structures that are too big or too small for them. Playing can be dangerous if the equipment was not designed for your age group.

9. Use sunscreen

Encourage children to use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Adults can supervise children while they play, but their greatest responsibility is to teach them to act responsibly on the playground.