Is High School Football Too Risky for Kids?

With Super Bowl championships occupying the top three slots in most-watched telecasts in U.S. history, it seems football is as popular as ever.

Yet the sport is at the epicenter of a national debate on the long-term effects of concussions and whether tackling is safe for youngsters.

President Barack Obama recently threw his two cents in, saying if he had a son he would think twice before letting him get on the gridiron.

And Boston University researchers last year released a comprehensive study showing there is a link between permanent brain injury and repeated blows to the head, according to the Boston Globe.

Of concern to some is the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in some older athletes. Often referred to as simply CTE, the condition causes symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s patients and has been blamed for the suicides of former gridiron greats.

What do you think, New Port Richey? Do you allow your children to play football? At what age do you think it is considered safe to tackle? Tell us in the comments section below.