The Safety of Monkey Bars for Kids

Climbing equipment, also known as "monkey bars," has been a standard fixture in public playgrounds for decades. They offer an excellent way for children to develop upper body strength and coordination, and provide a sense of confidence and self-esteem when children are able to traverse the highest bars. They are also responsible for a high percentage of playground injuries. The National Safety Council states that "the number of injuries caused by monkey bars is so significant that many experts recommend that they be removed from all playgrounds."

  1. Types of Injuries

    • An estimated 80 percent of playground injuries are caused by falls. It is a natural instinct to extend your arms to break a fall. A high number of arm fractures that occur due to falls from climbing equipment. The October 2010 issue of the Journal of Trauma-Injury, Infection & Critical Care reported that, "falls from monkey bars and minor trauma are implicated in the majority of childhood forearm fractures."

    Safety Standards

    • While there are no national standards in place for playground safety, to lessen the occurrence of severe childhood injuries, many states have passed regulations in accordance with standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These standards cover the filler placed under monkey bars and other types of climbing equipment to cushion falls. The depth of loose fill should be at least 12 inches and composed of wood chips, mulch or gravel of a certain size.

    Design Modifications

    • In July 2009, ASTM International revised the safety standards for monkey bars attached to swings and other elevated sections of playground equipment. As a result, the CSPC recommends that monkey bars be detached from swings and other suspended equipment to lessen the chance of childhood injuries. The CSPC publishes free handbooks covering safety guidelines for public and home playground equipment. They offer a helpful resource for parents, educators and community officials.

    Adult Supervision

    • The best way to protect children from playground injuries is to supervise them when they are at play. Most children under the age of 4 do not have the upper body strength and coordination to manage monkey bars easily. Younger children may try to climb higher than they should in an attempt to keep up with older kids. Older children climbing down from monkey bars may not take the time to watch for younger children climbing up. Close supervision by adults can prevent many accidents from occurring.

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