Doctors warn of dangers of superhero costumes

When children do the same, they increase their chances of ending up in hospital.

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Doctors say the increasingly popular trend of dressing up like superheroes can cause youngsters to hurt themselves as they try to copy the characters' death-defying feats.

They often believe their own abilities have been given a "super-boost" by wearing the costume.

A study describes the cases of five boys who injured themselves while dressed as Superman or Spider-Man.

Although risk-taking is normal for children, doctors fear the advent of superhero role models can give them unrealistic expectations.

The study - reported in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood - was carried out by child specialist Dr Patrick Davies, from Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.

In one case, a six-year-old boy suffered a head injury and a broken foot when he fell from a first floor window pretending to be Spider-Man. He needed a brain scan and X-rays.

Four other boys, aged between three and eight, hurt themselves while dressed as Spider-Man or Superman.

Three were injured when they attempted to fly "without having planned for landing strategies".

One of the four had a head wound while three suffered broken bones which needed treatment under general anaesthetic.

The report noted that one of the children would have sustained even worse injuries had his costume not been padded with imitation muscles.

Dr Davies said: "Imaginary role models are an essential part of growing up and it is important not to deny children their unrealistic dreams, whether it be scaling the sides of buildings, flying or playing football for England.

"However, parents need to be aware that children may believe that their abilities have been given a superboost with an appropriate costume.

"Parents whose children dress up as Bob the Builder should also understand that hammers and saws are highly likely to be used in play."

The imminent arrival of a new Superman movie could herald a rush of copycat behaviour, the report warns.

Dr Davies said: "Although the merchandising bombardment is yet to be released, we anticipate a rush of injured Supermen to come through our department in the next few months."

He added: "Children have an extraordinary ability to injure themselves and will find new ways to do so in future."