A concussion can be serious but many of us don’t know its symptoms. Young children, teenagers and young adults have a higher risk because their brains are still developing. Do you know what to do if your child gets one?

Here are some key things you should know to help keep your kids safe.

The Facts

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry reveals that 1.9 million children and teens 17 and younger or 1 in 10 are diagnosed with concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year.

A TBI happens when a fall or blow to the head causes the brain to quickly shift back and forth. This jostling can damage the brain.

Football, soccer and basketball are the three activities associated with 45 percent of the emergency room visits for TBIs in children and teens. Other sports like lacrosse, ice hockey, wrestling and softball are also at the top of the list for these types of injuries. Still, concussions don’t just happen in sports. Even children younger than 10 can suffer a concussion horsing around on the playground or bicycling in their neighborhood.

Signs and Symptoms

Most people think a loss of consciousness is the tell-tale sign of a concussion. Not all people with a concussion lose consciousness, though. Only about 10%. Other signs of TBI may be missed.

Watch for these subtle signs of a concussion:

• Can’t recall events before or after a fall
• Seems dazed, confused, stunned
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Mood, behavior, personality changes

Some symptoms may not show up for a few hours or even days after a head injury. Any child with a potential concussion should be seen by a medical professional. Get them to a doctor right away if they have:

• Headache, pressure in the head
• Nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness, blurry, double vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Confusion, unable to concentrate
• Memory problems
• Weakness or numbness in any part of the body

Bench Your Kids During Recovery

Kids recover from concussions slower than adults. A child or teen who returns to the game while still having symptoms is at risk for serious, permanent brain damage. It’s crucial that kids be symptom-free and cleared by a doctor. Studies show that girls are more likely to report symptoms than boys. For this reason, make sure to ask questions and check behaviors before your child restarts any activity.

After a concussion, rest helps the brain heal. Check with your doctor to learn how long your child should rest. Find out when they can ease back into sports and activities, and also when they can play full throttle. It’s likely your child will need to sit out practices, games and exercise for a bit. He or she may also need to ease back into school. See if they can have extra time with tests and schoolwork.

Help Lower Their Risks

There is no sure-fire way to prevent a concussion. Still, here are some steps to lower your child’s risk.

• Educate yourself and your child about symptoms
• Encourage your child to tell you about head injury or trauma right away
• Ensure your child wears a helmet when riding a bicycle
• Outfit your child with the proper, well-fitting helmet and gear for any contact sport
• Know all team and league concussion and safe-play rules
• Remind your child it’s better to sit out a short time while recovering rather than miss the entire season, or worse, due to an early return to their activities

Of course, keeping your kids active and having fun is important. Making sure your kids are safe and knowing what to do if an injury happens are the keys to keeping them in the game. The CDC offers helpful information. 

Sources: Concussions and Children,  American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2026; Signs and Symptoms of Concussion,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Data on Sports and Recreation Activities,   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026; What to do After a Concussion,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025