The frequency of injury to children under the age of six has doubled since 1980. Slides are the most frequent cause of injury for children under the age of six. Although falls are the most common mode of injury for both younger and older children, younger children are more likely to sustain injuries to the head and face. When young children fall to the surface from play equipment, they are more susceptible to head injuries since they often do not have the motor coordination or cognitive skills necessary to protect their heads by breaking a fall with their arms. In addition, young children are at greater risk for head and facial injuries caused by impact with moving equipment such as swings.
Climbers are the most frequent cause of injury for children six and older.
Upper limb fracture is the predominant pattern of injury for older children on climbers, swings, and slides. Because older children's cognitive and perceptual skills are more refined, they better anticipate and avoid moving swings. They are also better able to react to a fall, typically using their arms to break their landing. Consequently, older children reduce the risk of head injury, but they simultaneously increase the risk of upper limb fracture.