Head in the Game: Protecting Kids from Concussions

Youth sports are booming. And so are concerns about concussions. Parents, coaches, and schools are left asking hard questions: What actually happens to a child’s brain after a concussion? How worried should we be about long-term effects? And what can we do to reduce the risks without pulling kids off the field entirely?

This talk takes a provocative and clear-eyed look at concussions as a public health issue. We’ll explore how concussions affect developing brains, what early detection really looks like, and which prevention strategies actually work. From safer play environments to smarter education policies, this presentation focuses on practical, evidence-based approaches to protecting kids while keeping them active.

If you care about youth sports, brain health, or cutting through the noise around concussion culture, this conversation is for you.

Dr. Jessica Wallace is an Associate Professor at The University of Alabama in the Department of Health Science and Athletic…