Should schools ban students from doing cartwheels?
Some primary schools in Melbourne are restricting activities like cartwheels and handstands due to concerns over student injuries. While some parents criticize the move, school associations argue it is a temporary measure to teach safety.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing debate between promoting physical activity in children and managing institutional liability and safety risks.
When considering cartwheel restrictions, schools should ask whether children are losing an important way to be active, writes Brendon Hyndman.
Brendon Hyndman for 21 September 2026 5 min read Caption: Doing a cartwheel – or attempting one – seems like a very simple part of childhood. Photo credit: MoMo Productions Some Melbourne primary schools are reportedly restricting cartwheels and handstands after injuries.
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