Is youth football safe? Study reveals states with highest concerns. See where NJ ranks.

Are you worried about your child playing football?

You're not alone.

And if you're living in New Jersey, you have a lot of company.

New Jersey ranks seventh where head injuries from high school football may cause the most concern, according to a study by personal injury law firm Zinda Law Group. The firm analyzed the participation rate of boys playing high school football in each state.

It's a nationwide concern and it's growing every year.

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“According to a report published by the CDC, an estimated 282,000 children seek medical care in U.S. emergency departments for sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) every year," a spokesperson for Zinda Law Group said. "The report estimates that 45% of these sports-related TBIs occur as a result of contact sports – including football – and that ‘the highest rates were among males and children aged 10-14 and 15-17 years.’

“Hence, the study provides valuable insight into the states where high school football participation rate is lowest, but despite this, where concussion-related internet searches remain high, as people seek advice online. Therefore, the results of the study indicate the states where these injuries may be occurring most and where concern for safety in high school sport may be the highest.”

In New Jersey, the study said 15 percent of boys play high school football, and the average monthly search volume for head injury-related terms is 14,185.

While it's a concern in New Jersey, it's a bigger concern in six other states, according to the study.

Maine comes in first, followed by Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Rounding out the top 10 are Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Jersey ranks high in football concussion concerns. What to know

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