I keep reading about how common concussions are in kids and teens and how serious they can be. What can I do to help protect my kids? – Edie A concussion is an injury to the brain that causes temporary changes in the way the brain works. Concussions happen when someone has a blow to the head or the head is shaken back and forth with great force. Concussion Safety in Sports Sports-related concussions are becoming more common in kids and teens. At highest risk are those who play: football ice hockey lacrosse soccer field hockey Nothing can prevent every concussion. But safety gear helps protect against severe head trauma. All kids should wear the proper headgear and safety equipment when: playing contact sports biking rollerblading skateboarding snowboarding skiing Concussion Safety at Home Childproofing your home is key to keeping a baby or toddler safe from concussions and other injuries: Babies reach, grasp, roll, sit, crawl, pull up, "cruise" along furniture, and walk. Toddlers may pull themselves up using table legs. They'll use bureaus and dressers as jungle gyms and reach for whatever they can see. All these activities can lead to a head injury that causes a concussion. Make sure your child has a safe place to play and explore, and always keep an eye on your baby or toddler. Concussion Safety on the Road Proper child car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts can help prevent head injuries in a car accident. They should be used every time kids are in a car. What Else Should I Know? People are much more likely to get a concussion if they've had one before. So prevention is very important after a head injury. Repeated concussions can lead to lasting brain damage, even when the injuries happen months or years apart. Concussions are serious injuries that can be even more serious if kids don't get the time and rest needed to heal them completely. Anyone with a concussion needs to heal before doing anything that could lead to another concussion. Safety steps can help prevent concussions. If a concussion does happen, following a doctor's advice can lessen its effects. Back to Articles Related Articles Concussions How can you tell if you have a concussion? What should you do? And what's going to happen with sports and school? The facts are all on this site for teens. Read More Concussions Concussions are serious injuries that can be even more serious if kids don't get the time and rest needed to heal them completely. Read More Concussions Factsheet (for Schools) What teachers should know about concussions and the healing process. Read More Concussions: Alex's Story Alex plays high school football, track, basketball, and lacrosse. He's had two concussions. Here, he talks about his experience and what he learned. Read More Concussions In a concussion, the brain shifts inside the skull. This can cause a sudden - but usually temporary - disruption in a person's ability to function properly and feel well. Here's what to do if you suspect a concussion. Read More Concussions: Getting Better All body parts take time to heal, even brains.This article for teens has tips on what doctors often recommend to help people heal from a concussion. Read More Is It OK for Kids to Sleep After a Possible Concussion? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More School and Concussions A concussion can affect you at school because it's a type of brain injury. Doing schoolwork and being in a classroom can sometimes make things worse. Here's what to know about school and concussions. Read More Sports and Concussions As long as people play sports, there will be concussions from time to time. Find out how to protect yourself and what to do if you get a concussion playing sports. Read More Why Wear a Helmet If It Can't Prevent Concussions? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More Head Injuries Head injuries can be external or internal. Learn more about both kinds, how to prevent them, and what to do if your child is injured. Read More Dealing With Sports Injuries You practiced hard and made sure you wore protective gear, but you still got hurt. Read this article to find out how to take care of sports injuries - and how to avoid getting them. Read More Preventing Children's Sports Injuries Participation in sports can teach kids sportsmanship and discipline. But sports also carry the potential for injury. Here's how to protect your kids. Read More Car Seat Safety What's the right way to install an infant safety seat? Is your toddler ready for a convertible seat? Get the car seat know-how you need here. Read More Auto Safety More kids are injured in auto collisions than in any other type of accident, but you can protect them by learning the proper use of car seats and booster seats. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. 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