Some Melbourne primary schools are reportedly restricting cartwheels and handstands after injuries.

While some parents have described the recent move as “ridiculous”, the Victorian Principals Association says schools can sometimes issue a temporary ban “to educate children on how to do [cartwheels or other activities] safely”.

This isn’t the first time schools have put a stop to cartwheels. So how can we think about approaching this kind of play in schools?

A history of cartwheel bans

In 2008, a Townsville school made international headlines after banning unsupervised gymnastics, including cartwheels. This followed concerns about possible neck and back injuries.

In Sydney in 2012, a school required a trained gymnastics teacher to supervise cartwheels and handstands. Officials said this was preventive and followed consultation with the education department’s sports unit.

In Bunbury, Western Australia in 2017, another school announced a temporary ban after repeated wrist injuries. Reports cited concerns about bitumen, sloping grass and children attempting movements without proper preparation.

Read more: Of course parents want to keep tweens and teens safe. Here’s why you should also encourage them to take risks

Are cartwheels risky?

Doing a cartwheel – or attempting one – seems like a very simple part........

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