According to VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHS) and Boston University School of Medicine, playing tackle football is dangerous for kids under 12 years old, who could reportedly develop neurological and emotional problems.

Travis Nolan, MS, LAT, a clinical athletic trainer at University of Utah Health, says it is generally safe for children as young as 5 or 6 years old to begin playing flag football. However, kids should not begin playing tackle football until middle school. This is consistent with legislation that has been introduced in a number of states.

The share of children aged 6 to 12 who participate in tackle football on a regular basis in the United States decreased between 2020 and 2021. According to the source, 2.3 percent of children participated in tackle football on a regular basis in 2021, down from 2.8 percent in 2020.

Tackle football offers children as young as 5 the chance to make friends, learn teamwork, maybe attract a college scholarship. Growing research shows it also can cause injuries that damage developing brains. That leaves families to balance the risks against the opportunities. Many are opting out.