A concussion is a brain injury — and in children and teenagers, whose brains are still developing, it deserves to be taken seriously. The reassuring news is that most young athletes recover fully when a concussion is recognized early and managed properly. The danger comes from the concussions that go unnoticed, or the kids who are sent back into the game too soon.

Whether you are a parent on the sideline, a coach, or a teacher, this guide will help you recognize a concussion, respond correctly, and understand the rule that matters most: when in doubt, sit them out.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head — or even a hit to the body that snaps the head and brain back and forth. It temporarily affects how the brain works. Importantly, you cannot see a concussion on a standard X-ray, and a child does not have to lose consciousness to have one. In fact, the large majority of concussions happen with no blackout at all.

The Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Concussion symptoms can appear right away or come on over minutes to hours. They fall into four groups:

Physical

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling dazed, stunned, or “seeing stars”

Thinking and memory

• Confusion or feeling foggy
• Slow to answer questions
• Trouble concentrating or remembering
• Not sure of the score, the time, or what happened

Emotional

• Irritability or being more emotional than usual
• Sadness, anxiety, or nervousness
• Mood swings

Sleep

• Drowsiness or low energy
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Trouble falling asleep

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion

“When in Doubt, Sit Them Out”

This phrase is the heart of youth concussion safety, and it exists because of a real danger. A child who returns to play while still concussed risks a second impact before the first injury has healed — which can cause far more severe, even catastrophic, brain injury. They also take much longer to recover.

No game, no tournament, no playoff is worth that risk. If there is any suspicion of concussion, the child sits out and sees a doctor. A coach or parent never has to be certain — suspicion alone is enough to act.

Returning to School and Sport Safely

Recovery is a gradual, stepwise process — and return to learning comes before return to sport.

• Initial rest: A short period (a day or two) of relative physical and mental rest, then gentle activity that does not worsen symptoms.
• Return to school first: Gradually reintroduce schoolwork, with accommodations like reduced screen time and breaks as needed, progressing as symptoms allow.
• Stepwise return to sport: Light aerobic activity, then sport-specific drills, then non-contact training, then full-contact practice, and finally games — moving up only one step per day and only if symptom-free.
• Medical clearance: A child must be cleared by a doctor before returning to full-contact sport. This is non-negotiable.

Most kids and teens recover within one to four weeks, though children generally take longer than adults. Rushing the process is the leading cause of prolonged symptoms.

Prepared Sidelines Save Brains

Concussions happen at hockey rinks, soccer pitches, and playgrounds across the country every weekend. The adults who handle them well are the ones who knew the signs in advance and had a plan. A Life Safe first aid course covers head and spinal injuries, concussion recognition, and the emergency response skills — including CPR — that every coach, parent, and youth volunteer should have on the sideline.

Frequently Asked Questions