Should schools ban students from doing cartwheels?

In some Melbourne primary schools, the practice of restricting cartwheels and handstands has recently come under scrutiny due to reported injuries. While some parents view this as "ridiculous," the Victorian Principals Association argues that schools may temporarily ban such activities to educate children on proper techniques. This isn't the first time schools have taken such measures; in 2008, a Townsville school banned unsupervised gymnastics, including cartwheels, following concerns about neck and back injuries.

In Sydney in 2012, a school required a trained gymnastics teacher to oversee these activities, and in Bunbury, Western Australia in 2017, a temporary ban was imposed after repeated wrist injuries.

Doing a cartwheel, or attempting one, is a simple yet essential part of childhood. It fosters physical, mental, and emotional development by encouraging children to challenge themselves and learn about balance, turning, and weight transfer. Although research indicates wrist sprains, arm fractures, and concussions are common injuries in gymnastics, it's unclear how likely children are to get hurt performing cartwheels or handstands in school playgrounds.

Accidents can happen even when risks are managed, but banning an activity isn't always the best response.

Teachers' training plays a crucial role in facilitating healthy play in schools. In a 2026 study, 135 teachers from 25 countries rated their training for outdoor play at an average of 2.3 out of 10. Additionally, teachers expressed uncertainty about managing risky play, citing concerns about insufficient staffing, poor maintenance, and low funding priorities.

Broader societal trends also suggest a cautious approach to decision-making in schools, with factors such as injury concerns, parental blame, and legal liability potentially leading to restrictions on various forms of play.

Teaching standards and policies emphasize the need to balance safety and challenge in play. Teachers are expected to create and maintain safe learning environments, while government school guidelines in Victoria encourage unstructured physical activity as vital to children and young people's daily activity levels. If schools consider banning cartwheels and handstands, they should examine whether changes to the play environment, preparation, or supervision could allow these activities to continue safely.

This may involve creating level surfaces away from running games, ensuring enough space to prevent collisions, and providing guidance on checking conditions and seeking advice from gymnastics experts when needed. Ultimately, schools should consider whether children are losing an important way to be active and whether there are alternatives they might enjoy.