Concussions and effective concussion recovery are in the news nearly every day. Effective concussion protocol, as well as legal action from past players for difficulties in life that may be connected to the effects of concussions, are now a daily part of the sports landscape.

The emphasis on concussions has also spread to youth sports. For parents, it is vital to consider how research about concussions trickles down and affects their children.

It is hard to know exactly what information is most important for parents to keep in mind, so here are seven facts all parents must know:

1. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is not just getting “dinged” or “getting your bell rung”; a vital organ has been injured. The brain is considered to be the most important organ in the body, so any injury can have a serious impact on daily activity.

2. Concussions can happen in ALL sports. While most concussion news tends to focus on football due to the significant amount of contact, any/all sports that have contact carry a risk of this type of injury. Be sure your child follows all safety precautions and uses all safety equipment provided correctly. Be sure to also make sure all equipment is in good condition and meets current safety guidelines.

3. Get immediate medical attention. The signs and symptoms of a concussion do not always appear immediately after the injury. They can emerge days, and sometimes weeks, later. Follow post-treatment protocol provided by your doctor.

4. Monitor your child even after medical attention. Look out for basic symptoms such as being dazed or stunned, answering questions slower than usual, and changes in your child’s mood, personality, or behavior.

5. Your child may provide the best information about the lingering effects of a concussion. Listen to your child if they mention things out of the ordinary such as being sensitive to light, headaches, and feeling down or depressed.

6. Let your child’s coaches know if they have had a concussion in the past. This previous injury makes the chance to have another concussion go up. What’s more, having a history of concussion in the past can make recovery from a current concussion take more time.

7. Help your child take the time to get better. This can mean alternative assignments/arrangements at school and not playing/practicing in sports. Your child may not understand that their brain needs time to heal. They may be more concerned with their grades or not losing a roster spot.

Concussions are a part of athletics. As a parent, it is frightening to think about this because of the possible ramifications of this type of injury. It is even tougher to know that no matter how hard you try, you cannot completely prevent an injury, and this includes concussions. However, just because you’re in the bleachers does not mean you are not part of team. Being an active, informed, and involved parent is a significant factor in ensuring your child stays as safe as possible while participating in sports.