Children below high school age are more likely to return to the football field after a concussion than their older counterparts, according to a new study.

Even though only 10 percent of youth football players are sent back into play within 24 hours of suffering a concussion, that number is too high, especially when compared to the approximately 5 percent of college players and less than 1 percent of high schoolers.

It makes sense, of course. High school, college, and professional organizations have more resources and are better able to dedicate time/energy/personnel to spotting and treating concussions. Also, self-reporting can be more difficult for younger players who don’t understand what they’re experiencing and can’t accurately describe it.

But that doesn’t mean that we should just accept that some are going to be missed and move on. Children’s brains are even more susceptible to trauma than adults’, so youth concussions’ being more difficult to handle properly is not an excuse to write some of them off. The extra effort that may be required is absolutely worth it.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.