A concussion is a brain injury. Every year millions of children get sports and recreation concussions. Around 12% of child athletes, that’s 1 out of every 8, get hurt each year. So remember, concussions are common - and they’re serious.
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The facts

Let’s start with the good news. Participating in sports is healthy for children. It provides physical exercise and activity. It teaches children discipline, teamwork, and leadership. So sports are a positive. BUT children can and do get hurt in sports.

Each year, over 8 and a half million children are treated in emergency departments for a sports-related injury. That’s about one injury every 2 minutes! Parents can play an important role in keeping children safe from sports-related injuries. You can teach children to play sports by the rules and to listen to their coaches.

What parents can do

Have your child wear protective gear.

Before they leave for practice, be sure gear like helmets are packed or worn.

Click here to learn what gear your child should use for sports and play Safety Gear for Sports and Play

Take your child for medical care if you suspect a concussion or serious injury.

Concussions can be serious and delaying medical care can have serious consequences.

Go to Infocabeza.org/learn to learn more about symptoms, how concussion occurs in different sports, and how sometimes symptoms can come on right away, but other times they can take a few minutes or hours.