As summer approaches and the grass starts growing, many farm families naturally turn to outdoor chores—and often, kids are eager to help. But when it comes to lawn equipment, a growing number of safety experts are urging families to take a second look at who’s behind the mower.
Why Lawn Equipment Is Risky for Kids
Lawn mowers—particularly ride-on models—are powerful machines that can cause severe injuries, especially in children under 15. Common injuries include lacerations, burns, fractures, and even amputations or fatalities says the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (HICAHS) at Colorado State University. Many of these incidents happen when children are allowed to ride as passengers or when unsupervised youth attempt to operate the equipment.
Children often lack the physical strength, size, and judgment needed to use lawn mowers safely. That’s why safety experts recommend the following minimum age guidelines:
- No operation of ride-on mowers under age 12
- No child under age 6 should ride as a passenger—ever
Most injuries occur when young children are run over or fall off the mower, often in what’s supposed to be a “safe” home environment.
Rethinking Readiness
The core message from farm safety leaders is this: readiness depends on more than age. Parents and guardians need to assess a child’s maturity, size, and ability to follow instructions before allowing them to take on equipment-related tasks.
To improve safety outcomes, families should establish clear household policies, such as:
- No extra riders—regardless of age
- Mandatory protective gear (sturdy shoes, long pants, safety glasses, hearing protection)
- Pre-mow equipment checks
- Keeping children and pets well away from the mowing area
Tradition vs. Safety
In many rural homes, helping with lawn care is part of growing up. But long-standing traditions don’t always align with current safety standards. Experts emphasize that the goal isn’t to prevent youth from contributing—it’s to delay their involvement until they’re truly ready.
“It’s not about saying no forever,” as one safety leader put it. “It’s about saying ‘not yet.’”
Equipping Families with the Right Tools
To support safer decision-making, new educational materials are being developed for farm families. These include age-appropriate checklists, safety tip sheets, and guides to help parents determine when kids are ready for outdoor tasks involving equipment.
By combining clear guidelines with a little patience, families can reduce injury risks and ensure kids grow up safe and capable—not hurt and sidelined.