Physical activity, including many types of sport such as football, plays a major role in the lives of children. However, several articles have noted an increasing number of safety hazards resulting from such activities. Of course, measures have been taken to avoid serious injuries and allow kids to practice tackle football. While safety precautions such as the use of helmets are recommended and are still being worked on, researchers emphasize the risks of brain damage caused primarily by tackling injuries (Anastasia, 2016). These risks are of greater significance for younger children, as their impact on the following stages of life and development is inevitably negative. Therefore, young children should not play tackle football.
As previously mentioned, the risks of tackle football include severe head injuries and consequential concussions. According to Anastasia (2016), any impulsive action during football can lead to an “impact…damages the brain”. The brain might repair itself, but the consequences of the injury usually last longer and include memory loss, headaches, and similar cognitive dysfunctions (Mead, 2014). Furthermore, younger children experience more detrimental effects from such concussions, considering the still developing stage of their brain (Anastasia, 2016). Hence, accidents and improper training can lead to harmful consequences for the young players’ cognitive development.
Still, since many children remain committed to their sport, various strategies are being promoted to ensure their safety. For example, high-tech helmets with thicker linings and more flexible shells allow softening the blow occurring from sudden hits (Mead, 2014). Moreover, new helmets absorb more force and even contain sensors to alert in case of severe injuries (Mead, 2014). Although recent innovations allow for more protection for younger athletes, they do not completely prevent concussions. Therefore, kids should not play tackle football until they have trained sufficiently.
References
Anastasia, L. (2016). “Game changer”. Scholastic News (ed. 4), 79(6), 4-5.
Mead, M. (2014). “Hard knocks”. Scholastic News.