An Australian primary school has banned cartwheels and handstands after a number of pupils suffered juries.
The principal of Bunbury Primary School in Western Australia, Shane Dougherty, told Seven News the school was dealing with at least two students hurting themselves every day – specifically suffering wrist injuries – after their playground gymnastics.
He says while the ban is not permanent – it could be reversed if public opinion suggests it is not needed – the school has a duty to keep children safe.
“This is not about stopping kids from taking risks and having fun – but attempting things like flips or handstands on bitumen and sloping grassed areas without learning how to do it properly is never a good idea.”
Many parents have already complained about the “ludicrous” rule.
“I remember doing these things when I was a kid and my daughter did the same,’ one parent wrote online.
“What’s next? Least they are playing in the playground and not sitting on iPad and tablets or game consoles. Let kids be kids.”
The school is not the first to make such a move.
A Townsville school banned all gymnastics activities during lunch breaks in 2008, declaring it dangerous because it has the potential to cause back and neck injuries.
