Increase in Safety Accidents at Kids Cafes... Consumer Agency Issues 'Safety Advisory'

Trampoline Safety Accidents 38.9% Fracture Injuries
"Precautions Must Be Learned Before Using Equipment"

The Korea Consumer Agency issued a safety advisory on the 25th, stating that safety accidents involving children at kids cafes are continuously increasing.

According to the Consumer Agency, a total of 1,205 safety accidents related to kids cafes were reported to the Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) over the five years from 2019 to last year. Safety accidents decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic period but surged by 49.8% to 337 cases last year compared to the previous year.

Among these, an analysis of 1,165 cases with confirmed ages showed that the main causes of safety accidents at kids cafes were 'slipping and falling' at 48.4% (583 cases), followed by 'falling from heights' at 27.1% (326 cases), and 'collisions' at 13.0% (157 cases). Specifically, many cases involved fractures to the elbow when children fell and braced themselves on the floor at kids cafe play facilities, or concussions caused by head injuries from falls.

Looking at the top 10 items where kids cafe safety accidents frequently occur, trampolines accounted for the highest number with 370 cases. Most injuries involved fractures (38.9%, 144 cases) to arms or legs caused by falling or falling off while using the trampoline. The Consumer Agency stated, "Trampoline safety accidents carry a high risk of fractures and head injuries," adding, "Due to the characteristics of bones in infants and young children, fracture injuries can lead to damage to the growth plates, so it is essential to understand safety precautions to prevent accidents before using the equipment."

The Consumer Agency urged the following to prevent safety accidents at kids cafes: ▲ guardians should always supervise infants and young children when using equipment and facilities ▲ teach children safety rules for each play equipment before use ▲ have children wear non-slip socks ▲ ensure trampolines are used by children of similar weight and age, and guide them not to perform aggressive actions such as tumbling.