New web-based resources are being aimed at equipping pupils up to GCSE level with the knowledge they need to recognise the signs and potential dangers.
There has been much focus on the issue since the death in 2011 of schoolboy Benjamin Robinson in a rugby match.
The 14-year-old was allowed to continue playing even though he had suffered a concussion.
The North’s education minister John O’Dowd said that head injuries can have serious consequences.
“The tragic death of Benjamin Robinson brought the issue into sharp focus and since then it has been high on my agenda, which is why I launched the ‘Recognise and Remove’ campaign last year,” he said.
“And as a direct and on-going legacy of that campaign I commissioned the Council for the Curriculum and Assessment to produce interactive, multi-media lesson plans for teachers.”
The lesson plans provide valuable life-saving information tailored to pupils up to the age of 16 with different age-appropriate ways for getting the key message across.
They include information for both teachers and pupils, are presented as pupil activities and assist in raising the awareness of concussion and how pupils should respond to protect their own and other’s health.
The activities include a quiz to check pupils’ understanding of concussion, how to spot the signs, and to encourage them to tell an adult if they or a friend have hit their head.
“For young and old, the message is simple – if in doubt, sit them out. Never take a chance where someone’s health is concerned,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“With the Rugby World Cup currently underway the dangers of concussion are a major talking point.”
He added: “All of us from the sporting world and across the field of education must redouble our efforts to highlight this issue to recognise concussion, remove the person affected from the field of play, and get them assessed.”
For more details on the resources, visit www.deni.gov.uk/index/support-and-development-2/concussion-guidance-2.htm