Playground-Related Concussions on the Rise

By Melissa A. Kay May 3, 2016

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for data collected between 2001-2013, playground injuries among kids ages 14 and under are at an all-time high. Concussions are the topic of concern, and while most cases reported were mild, all concussions can have serious repercussions.

Concussions occur when the brain gets jostled within the skull due to a severe blow to the head. Symptoms including confusion, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting can last for a few days up to a few weeks. For most kids, recovery comes quickly, but for those with repeated cases, brain damage can ensue.

The rise in instance of concussion, up to 30,000 kids in the U.S. in 2013 total, can happen when kids fall off playground equipment like monkey bars and swings. Most injuries are found in boys ages 5-9. While it’s possible the rise is due to simply more kids playing on playground equipment, parents still must be aware of potential dangers and take steps to prevent a concussion.

Parents should be sure the ground surfaces under playground equipment is soft – like sand or wood chips. Concrete grounds can pose a danger to the head if a child falls from the money bars or off a swing. Make sure the child is age-appropriate for the equipment and that an adult is supervising at all times.

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