Unintentional injury is a leading threat to the health of Canadian children. Many Canadian children are injured while participating in sports and recreation activities.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Any blow to the head, face, neck or body that causes the head to move rapidly may cause a concussion. Children and adolescents are among those at greatest risk for concussion, especially during recess on the playground, physical education classes or sports. Research shows that a concussion can have a significant impact on a child’s development – cognitively, physically, emotionally and socially.
Using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework, schools, school boards, parents and community partners can work together to develop healthy school environments that promote and support student well-being. Information below has been organized following this framework.
Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
The Ontario Physical Education Safety Standards in Education, managed by Ophea, represent the minimum standards for risk management for school boards.
- Rowan’s Law: Concussion Awareness Guides (Grades 5 to 12)
These e-booklet will help you learn more about concussions and help keep yourself and others active and safe. This resource is available in both English and French. Access links to age specific booklets below.
School and Classroom Leadership
All publicly-funded school boards in Ontario are required to have a policy about concussions to support school staff, students and their families with information on how to minimize the risk of concussion, steps to follow if a concussion is suspected, and management procedures to guide students’ return to learning and physical activity for a diagnosed concussion. Check your school board policy for more information or visit the lists below.
The Ophea e-Learning module is intended for all school staff including educators, administrators, and support staff to increase awareness and understanding of concussion identification, response to suspected concussions and concussion management.
Student Engagement
School Wide Campaigns
Social and Physical Environments
Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) – Concussions
This resource provides a wide variety of educational and marketing resources for athletes, officials, coaches, parents and organizations. Read about success stories, current concussion related news, and much more.
Home, School and Community Partnerships
Caring for Kids – Keeping Kids Safe
This resource provides parents with tips on how to keep kids safe as they play, are on the move, at home and with whatever the weather is.
This resource provides information to parents about concussions and the signs and symptoms of what to look out for if you suspect that your child has a concussion.
