From Sally S. Harris, M.D., MPH

My child plays a lot of sports. What can I do to prevent injuries? Which sports are the safest?

Most sports are safe for prepubertal children because the children are not big enough to generate the forces that cause the more serious injuries seen in adolescents. Injuries can be prevented by appropriate supervision, training, adherence to rules and use of proper equipment. Overuse injuries can be prevented by curtailing activity associated with pain. The philosophy of "no pain, no gain" is not appropriate for children.