Should School’s Ban Cartwheels and Handstands?

I was a little taken aback when my Mum sent me a text this evening asking if I had heard about the school that had banned students from doing cartwheels and handstands.

I was even more shocked to find it was a school in Western Australia, our home state, down in the south west.

I did a quick Google and found a few articles reporting on this new rule. Check out a couple of the stories from news.com.au and PerthNow if you’re interested.

Anyway, I couldn’t help but think this seems outrageous to me.

Especially since the reasoning is that children have been reporting to the office daily because they are hurting themselves.

As someone who has worked in schools I can completely understand the school’s responsibility in ensuring the safety of children in their care.

On the other hand, I really think part of growing up is learning about risk and reward through trial and error. Making mistakes are how we learn!

I honestly think that if young people are hurting themselves form doing cartwheels and handstands, they will most likely find new techniques or alternative places to practice their carthweels or handstands where they are less likely to hurt themselves (especially if it is due to praticing on slopes or uneven ground). 

Essentially, taking away their ability to even pratice these skills (which is keeping them active and outdoors I might add!) is also taking away the opportunity for them to problem solve the situation.

Of course the school needs to be mindful of the safety of it’s students. But perhaps there can be some other solution that doesn’t involve banning the activity??

Would love to hear your thoughts on this!

Let us know what you think in the comments below 🙂