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Back-to-School Brain Safety: What Parents Should Know About Traumatic Brain Injuries

As summer comes to an end, families across Cameron and Willacy Counties are preparing for another exciting school year. New backpacks are packed, school supplies are organized, and children are looking forward to seeing friends, meeting teachers, and participating in recess, physical education, and extracurricular activities.


With all the excitement that comes with heading back to school, it's also a good time for parents and caregivers to think about something that often goes overlooked—traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).


A back-to-school child safety banner featuring a young student holding their head after a sports-related fall on a school playground. Large text reads, "Back-to-School Brain Safety: Protect Their Future," encouraging parents to learn the signs of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and prioritize children's safety during recess, sports, and other school activities. The Children's Advocacy Centers of Cameron and Willacy Counties logo appears at the bottom of the graphic.
Back-to-School Brain Safety: What Every Parent Should Know

As children return to recess, sports, PE, and after-school activities, it's important to recognize the signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A simple fall or collision can sometimes be more serious than it appears. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, when to seek medical attention, and how to help keep children safe throughout the school year.


At the Children's Advocacy Centers of Cameron and Willacy Counties (CACCWC), our mission is to protect children and educate families about issues that affect their safety and well-being. While our work focuses on children who have experienced abuse, we also believe prevention and education are essential parts of keeping children safe.

Understanding traumatic brain injuries, knowing the warning signs, and recognizing when to seek medical attention can help parents respond quickly if an injury occurs during school or recreational activities.


Why Back-to-School Season Is an Important Time to Talk About Brain Safety


The return to school means children become more active than they may have been during the summer months.


Every day, students participate in activities such as:

  • Recess and playground games

  • Physical education classes

  • Organized sports

  • Cheerleading

  • Bicycle rides to and from school

  • Running, jumping, climbing, and playing with friends

  • After-school sports leagues and community programs


While these activities are healthy and encourage physical development, they also increase the likelihood of falls, collisions, and head injuries.


Most bumps and bruises are minor, but some impacts to the head may result in a traumatic brain injury or concussion.


Knowing the difference could make a significant difference in your child's recovery.


What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?


A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden bump, blow, or jolt to the head disrupts the brain's normal function.


Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to more serious injuries requiring immediate medical treatment.


One of the most common misconceptions is that a child must lose consciousness to have a concussion.


That is not true.


Many children experience concussions without ever passing out.


Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Children


As children return to school, TBIs most commonly occur from:

  • Falls from playground equipment

  • Running into another student during recess

  • Sports-related collisions

  • Bicycle and scooter accidents

  • Falls during physical education

  • Gymnastics or cheerleading injuries

  • Skateboarding accidents

  • Slips on wet surfaces


These situations are common, which is why awareness is so important.


Signs and Symptoms Every Parent Should Know


Sometimes symptoms appear immediately.


Other times, they may not develop until several hours after the injury.


Parents should watch for:


Physical Symptoms


  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Balance problems

  • Blurred vision

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Sensitivity to noise


Thinking and Learning Changes


  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Forgetfulness

  • Confusion

  • Feeling "foggy"

  • Trouble answering simple questions


Emotional Changes


  • Irritability

  • Mood swings

  • Anxiety

  • Sadness

  • Unusual emotional reactions


Sleep Changes


  • Sleeping much more than normal

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Trouble waking up


If your child experiences any of these symptoms after hitting their head, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.


When Should You Seek Emergency Medical Care?


Some symptoms require immediate medical attention.


Go to the emergency room or call 911 if your child experiences:


  • Loss of consciousness

  • Repeated vomiting

  • A severe or worsening headache

  • Seizures

  • Slurred speech

  • Increasing confusion

  • Difficulty walking

  • Weakness in the arms or legs

  • Unequal pupil size

  • Difficulty staying awake


Prompt medical care can be critical following a serious head injury.


Sports Safety Matters


Many students are excited to return to football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and other sports.


Sports provide incredible physical, emotional, and social benefits.


However, parents should also understand their school's concussion policies.


Ask questions such as:


  • Does the school follow concussion protocols?

  • Are coaches trained to recognize concussion symptoms?

  • When can an athlete safely return to play?

  • Who evaluates suspected head injuries?


Schools and athletic programs play an important role in protecting student-athletes.


"When in Doubt, Sit Them Out"


One of the most important messages in youth sports today is simple:


When in doubt, sit them out.


If a concussion is suspected, children should not continue playing until they have been evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.


Returning too soon can increase the risk of additional injury and prolong recovery.


Parents, coaches, teachers, and school staff all share responsibility for putting a child's health before the game.


Helping Children Recover


Most children recover well from mild traumatic brain injuries when they receive appropriate medical care and enough time to heal.


Recovery may include:


  • Physical rest

  • Limiting strenuous activity

  • Reducing screen time if recommended

  • Gradually returning to school

  • Following healthcare provider instructions

  • Communicating with teachers about temporary academic accommodations


Patience during recovery is just as important as the initial medical evaluation.


Protecting Children Is About More Than Prevention


At CACCWC, we know that protecting children means looking at their overall well-being.

Whether we're educating families about abuse prevention, online safety, emotional wellness, or physical safety, our goal remains the same:


Helping children grow up healthy, safe, and supported.


As another school year begins, we encourage parents to stay engaged, ask questions, and never hesitate to seek medical attention if they believe their child has suffered a head injury.


The excitement of recess, sports, and school activities should always be matched with awareness and preparation.


Together, we can help children enjoy an active, successful, and safe school year.


About Children's Advocacy Centers of Cameron and Willacy Counties


The Children's Advocacy Centers of Cameron and Willacy Counties (CACCWC) provides a safe, child-friendly environment for children and families affected by abuse. Through forensic interviews, family advocacy, prevention education, multidisciplinary collaboration, and community outreach, CACCWC is committed to protecting children and promoting healthier, safer communities throughout Cameron and Willacy Counties.

 
 
 

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