The humble family trampoline is under the spotlight, with calls for compulsory safety standards for the backyard favourite.

Standards New Zealand axed the out-of-date trampoline safety standard just before Christmas.

The standard, adopted in 1997, was voluntary and not enforced through any legislation or regulations.

Safekids Aotearoa director Ann Weaver is concerned by the move, saying around 300 children are hospitalised every year with trampoline-related injuries.

"That's a serious injury.

"We're not talking about the little bumps and scrapes and small sprains."

Ann Weaver says the standard, which dated back to 1997, was in need of a review.

But she's concerned it's been dropped altogether and wants a new, mandatory standard introduced.

"Where all trampolines being sold have to meet the standard.

"And then the general public could feel much more confident that what they're purchasing is as safe as it could be."

Standards New Zealand is backing its withdrawal of the trampoline safety standard, saying it was no longer safe practice for manufacturers to follow.

A spokesperson says it was withdrawn after a review of standards that were 16 years and older, and a three month public feedback period.

Standards New Zealand says the standard did not cover modern features such as safety nets and soft edges on trampolines.

And as it was voluntary, most manufacturers chose not to comply with the standard.

Standards New Zealand develops standards, but only the Government has the power to make them mandatory.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment meanwhile, is looking into an updated Australian standard which is set to be published around Easter time.

MBIE says it has been in talks with its Australian counterparts about New Zealand potentially adopting the new standard - a move Standards New Zealand welcomes.

Martin Rushton, a senior trading standards advisor for the Ministry, says it will also consider making the standard mandatory.

But Mr Rushton says trampoline safety comes down to more than just making sure a trampoline is designed and constructed safely.

He says the play equipment also needs to be properly assembled and looked after, located in a safe spot, and children need to be supervised while using it.