Parents are told that sport is essential for kids — it helps them exercise, supports a healthy weight, builds teamwork skills and boosts self-esteem. But alongside all those benefits, it’s worth being aware that playing sport can sometimes lead to head injuries. So should you be concerned about sport causing concussion in children?
Here’s what every parent should know: the signs to watch for, what to do if you suspect a concussion, and practical steps you can take to help protect your child.
Signs of Concussion in Children
Before researching this, we’ll admit — if you’d asked us what the signs of concussion are, we wouldn’t have been able to tell you. So here are some of the key signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion
Doctors recommend these steps if a concussion is suspected:
1. The player should immediately stop playing or practising.
2. The player should be checked out by a doctor before returning to practice or play.
3. Children who get concussions usually recover within a week or two, without lasting problems, by resting and taking a break from sports and other activities that make symptoms worse.
Recommended Reading: Heading the Ball Now Banned for Under 10s Kids Soccer in US
What Parents Can Do
1. Familiarise yourself with the signs of concussion in children (above), and take a few minutes to visit www.concussionaware.ie, which has helpful information and videos.
2. If your child plays a sport, keep an eye out for potential concussion symptoms after games. If in doubt, take your child to the doctor to get them checked.
3. If you’re a spectator at your child’s games, watch to make sure coaches or teachers sit a child out after a bang to the head.
4. Encourage your child to take a break from sport and other strenuous activity for a few days if they’ve had a suspected concussion.
5. Ask your child’s school and sports club what protocols they have in place to protect kids from concussion. Is everyone involved educated on the risks? Point them towards the awareness materials available on the ConcussionAware website.
6. If you feel your child’s club isn’t taking head injuries seriously enough, it’s worth considering a switch. It may feel awkward in the short term, but a long-lasting brain injury is far more serious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of concussion in children playing sport?
Common signs include a headache or pressure in the head, temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss around the event, dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea and vomiting. Any of these after a knock to the head is a reason to stop play and get checked.
What should happen straight away if a concussion is suspected?
The child should stop playing or practising immediately and be seen by a doctor before returning to any sport or strenuous activity.
How long does it usually take a child to recover from a concussion?
Most children recover within a week or two without lasting problems, provided they rest and avoid activities that make symptoms worse, following their doctor’s guidance.
What can parents do to help reduce the risk of concussion in kids’ sport?
Know the signs, watch your child after games, make sure coaches sit children out after a head knock, and ask your school or club about their concussion protocols. If you’re not satisfied with how seriously a club takes this, it’s reasonable to look elsewhere.
Related Articles
- Heading the Ball Now Banned for Under 10s Kids Soccer in US
- The Benefits of Team Sports for Kids
- How to Help Your Child Recover from a Sports Injury
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