Sally Anscombe/Getty ImagesSome 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 9 News report examines restrictions on cartwheels, handstands and other playground activities in Victorian schools. A history of cartwheel bansIn 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 of childhood.Apart from being fun, it’s important for children to challenge themselves to develop physically, mentally and emotionally. Through this kind of active exploration, children can try different ways to balance, turn and transfer weight, discovering what works and adapting their actions.Research on gymnastics injuries in children and teenagers shows wrist sprains, arm fractures and concussions are among the most common injuries. But this research does not tell us how likely children are to get hurt doing cartwheels or handstands in school playgrounds.We know accidents can happen even when risks are managed. But while an injury warrants investigation, banning an activity is not always the best response.What do teachers say?Research suggests teachers need more training to support healthy play in schools. In my 2026 study, 135 teachers across 25 countries rated their teacher training for facilitating outdoor play at an average of 2.3 out of 10. In my 2025 study of the same group, teachers also described uncertainty about managing risky play. Their concerns included insufficient staffing to support play, uneven surfaces caused by poor maintenance, and play being a low funding priority.Other research suggests there is a broader culture of more cautious decision-making in schools. A 2022 review of 25 studies found concerns about injury, parents blaming the school and legal liability could lead school staff to restrict different types of play. What are the rules?Teaching standards and policies suggest schools need to find a balance between safety and challenge when it comes to play. One of the key professional standards for Australian teachers is to “create and maintain […] safe learning environments”.At the same time, government school guidelines also encourage students to have physically challenging play. In Victoria, for example, they note unstructured physical activity is “vital to children and young people’s daily activity levels”.What kind of conditions would help?If schools are considering bans, they should examine whether changes to spaces, preparation or supervision could keep kids doing cartwheels and handstands. That could mean a level space away from running games, with enough room to avoid collisions. Children differ in confidence and experience. So beginners may benefit from exploring simpler balancing exercises and weight shifts first. Staff need guidance on checking conditions, recognising when a child needs help and seeking advice from someone with relevant gymnastics expertise when needed.What do students think?We can also ask students where problems occur – and if there are alternatives they might enjoy.A review of 31 studies on safety and risk in school play found fast ball games, often dominated by boys, could crowd girls and less-skilled boys out of playground spaces. Girls also said they wanted opportunities for tumbling and balancing.So when considering cartwheel restrictions, schools should ask whether children are losing an important way to be active.Should we ban cartwheels?Here are some questions that can help guide decisions about cartwheels and handstands.What does this play offer children? Consider their enjoyment, need to be active and navigate challenges.What is the actual concern? This includes the likelihood and seriousness of harm.If we ban cartwheels, who misses out? Ask children what this play offers and what appealing options remain.Do we need extra things in place to support safe play? Could changes to space, preparation or supervision allow this play to continue?Brendon Hyndman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.