Some sports/recreational diving agencies wish to extend SCUBA diving to children, not always on the basis of scientific medical criteria. Children are more sensitive than adults to thermal changes, they have more difficulty in equalizing pressure in their ears, and the risk of decompression sickness, hypoxia, and intrathoracic hyperpressure syndrome are greatest. The child must be self-motivated and not induced by adults. Diving equipment should be specifically designed, and dives should be short and 2-3 m deep. Children below the age of 8 years should not SCUBA dive. Between the ages of 8 and 12 years, some underwater activities can be sporadically performed. Over the age of 12, many children can safely SCUBA dive. A child's fitness to dive cannot be evaluated through a single medical visit. Qualified diving doctors should undertake the decision being assessed by parents, trainers and/or the responsible adults.