Ep 3. Sidelined: How Safe are Kids Sports?

Nick News is a television series that is dedicated to bringing children's voices to the forefront of news by touching significant subjects that affect their daily lives. The series tackles a wide range of topics to keep kids informed and engaged. The show's latest season 19 episode 3, titled "Sidelined: How Safe are Kids Sports?" addresses a growing concern among parents around the world.

The episode delves into the subject of kids' safety in sports, exploring the risks and rewards of playing games at a young age. Presented by renowned journalist and television personality Linda Ellerbee, the episode features expert opinions from medical professionals, athletes, and coaches, and shares numerous testimonials from kids who love playing sports.

As childhood obesity rates rise in America, many parents and educators are encouraging kids to play more sports and stay active. The Williams family, featured in the episode, is one of them. Parents Mark and Maria have all four of their kids enrolled in various sporting activities, ranging from basketball and soccer to gymnastics and lacrosse. The couple believes that sports teach many valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience, and want their children to have the physical, social, and mental benefits of playing sports.

However, the episode highlights the potential risks of kids' sports and the importance of safety. With the increase in sports-related injuries and fatalities, parents must be more vigilant than ever about keeping their kids safe while they play. Emergency room doctor Dr. Brian Michael, who specializes in sports medicine, shares his insights on the most common types of sports injuries that kids sustain and how parents can prevent them. He emphasizes the importance of wearing protective gear at all times, taking breaks during games, and having proper training and conditioning.

Moreover, with new studies emerging every day about the effects of concussions among young athletes, many sport leagues have implemented measures for preventing and managing concussions. Coach Bethany Rapp gives a detailed account of how concussions can occur and how parents and coaches can recognize the symptoms of a concussion. She also discusses the essential steps players can take to minimize the risk of getting concussions, like practicing sportsmanship, abiding by the rules of the game, and doing regular fitness exercises before playing.

The episode also features a real-life testimonial - TaRynn Vernon's story. The goalkeeper had played soccer since she was six years, played in high school and college. However, on what was to be her last game as a senior, TaRynn was hit in the head by a ball. They thought it would be just a simple concussion, but sadly it was not the case. The accident ended up with permanent brain damage. Her mother shared the story to enlighten parents on the critical issue of concussion.

In conclusion, the episode emphasizes that while sports can bring immense joy and positivity to children's lives, parents must take measures to ensure that their children are protected from potential dangers by teaching proper safety protocols and remaining vigilant. "Sidelined: How Safe are Kids Sports?" is a must-watch episode of Nick News that every parent, sports coach, and educator should view to understand the risks and rewards of playing sports and how to balance them.