Concussion Prophylaxis for Young Children: Why Helmets Matter in Winter Sports

Physiotherapists often see children recovering from various injuries, some of these are preventable by taking small precautions. One of the most common injuries seen in the winter months, is concussions. While some concussions can be mild others can lead to long-term consequences affecting cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.  Concussions in youth can lead to debilitating side effects such as trouble concentrating, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances and much more.  As the winter months are upon us let’s take some time to discuss why helmets matter in winter sports. 

Young children, in particular, are at higher risk for concussions because their developing brains and weaker neck muscles make them more susceptible to injury.  Children’s brains are more susceptible to acceleration and movement during a hit.  That’s why concussion prophylaxis strategies are critical, especially when engaging in activities like tobogganing, skating, and skiing. Here we will discuss why helmets are an essential part of concussion prevention for children in winter sports and provide some practical recommendations for parents and caregivers.

Why are Concussions Dangerous for Children?

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can result from a blow to the head, a fall, or even from rapid acceleration or deceleration of the brain inside the skull. In young children, the brain is still developing, and a concussion can interfere with the brain’s growth, potentially causing long-term effects such as:

• Cognitive challenges (difficulty with memory, concentration, and learning)
• Emotional changes (irritability, mood swings, and anxiety)
• Physical issues (headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise)

In some cases, repeated concussions can lead to a condition called “second-impact syndrome,” where a second concussion occurs before the brain has fully recovered from the first. This is a serious, potentially fatal condition.

The Role of Helmets in Concussion Prevention

Helmets are one of the most effective tools in preventing head injuries. They work by absorbing the impact energy of a blow to the head, reducing the force transmitted to the skull and brain. While helmets can’t guarantee that a concussion will never happen, they significantly decrease the risk of severe injury, especially in activities where falls or collisions are common.

For winter sports like tobogganing, skating, and skiing, helmets should be a non-negotiable safety measure. These activities involve high-speed descents, hard surfaces (like ice or packed snow), and obstacles that can increase the risk of falls and impacts to the head.

Activity-Specific Helmet Recommendations

• Tobogganing (Sledding)
  Tobogganing is a beloved winter pastime for many children, but it comes with the risk of fast, uncontrollable speeds and the potential for collisions with trees, fences, or other sledders. A helmet can protect against serious head injuries if a child falls or crashes into an obstacle. In addition, avoiding the head first position can further prevent injury to the head, spine and abdomen when sledding.

Recommendation: Choose a lightweight, comfortable helmet designed for sports like skiing or cycling. Ensure the helmet fits snugly and securely, covering the forehead and offering good ventilation to keep your child comfortable while sledding.

• Ice Skating
  Falls are inevitable during ice skating, especially when children are learning to skate. The cold, hard surface of the ice can make even a minor fall dangerous, particularly if the child lands on their head. Helmets can help reduce the impact and protect against concussions.

Recommendation: Opt for a well-fitting helmet made for ice skating or other similar activities. It should cover the forehead and have adjustable straps for a secure fit. Look for helmets that are certified by safety standards organizations like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

• Skiing and Snowboarding
  Skiing and snowboarding are high-speed activities that carry a higher risk of serious head injuries, especially for young or inexperienced skiers. Collisions with other skiers, trees, or even falls on steep terrain can lead to concussions. Given the potential dangers, it’s vital that children wear helmets whenever they are on the slopes.

Recommendation: Select a ski or snowboard helmet that is designed specifically for these sports. These helmets provide superior protection, with features like a snug fit, ventilation to prevent overheating, and the ability to accommodate goggles. Look for a helmet that meets safety standards.

Other Concussion Prevention Tips

While helmets are a crucial tool in concussion prevention, they are not the only step caregivers can take. Here are additional tips to keep your child safe during winter sports:

• Supervise the Activity: Always supervise young children during outdoor winter activities. Ensure they are engaging in safe practices, such as avoiding steep hills or crowded skating rinks.
• Teach Proper Technique: For activities like skiing or tobogganing, teaching your child proper technique can help reduce the risk of falls. This includes learning how to control their speed, stop safely, and navigate obstacles.
• Choose Safe Locations: When tobogganing or sledding, choose designated areas away from roads, trees, or fences. These provide a safer environment where children are less likely to crash into dangerous obstacles.
• Wear the Right Gear: In addition to helmets, make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and activity. Layers, gloves, boots, and other protective gear can help reduce the risk of injury and ensure comfort throughout the day.  Avoid loose clothing articles such as scarves.  Lastly, remind children to remove hard or sharp objects from their pockets before engaging in physical activity.

Conclusion

Concussions are a serious concern for children engaging in winter sports, but wearing a helmet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk. Whether your child is tobogganing, skating, or skiing, a helmet provides critical protection in the event of a fall or collision. As physiotherapists we strongly advocate for concussion prophylaxis through proper gear, education, and supervision to ensure your child’s safety during these fun but potentially risky activities.

By taking the proper precautions, we can help children enjoy the winter season safely and keep them protected from head injuries that could have long-lasting consequences. So, the next time your child heads out for a day on the snow or ice, don’t forget the helmet—it could make all the difference.