Doctors Say Kids Should Avoid Boxing

Teens and other children should not box, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. The group of children’s doctors has long opposed boxing for kids. But it released a revised policy statement August 29 because of new research. Concussion is the most common injury in boxing. And researchers now know more about the risks of that kind of brain injury. Multiple concussions can lead to permanent brain injury. Concussion also can occur in other sports, such as football. But the doctors noted that boxers actually get points for hitting opponents in the head. That’s not true in other sports. Concussion also can cause more damage to kids and teens than to adults, the doctors’ statement noted. That’s because their brains are still developing. They also take longer to heal.