Headaches in children are common and often linked to tiredness, dehydration, hunger, screen time, stress, or a viral illness, and these usually ease with rest, fluids, and sometimes a weight-appropriate dose of pain relief. However, certain features should raise concern.
Seek urgent medical care or call your emergency number if a headache is sudden and severe, comes with a fever and a stiff neck or dislike of bright light (possible meningitis), follows a head injury, is accompanied by repeated vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, weakness, vision changes, or a seizure. Also be cautious about headaches that wake a child from sleep, are worst first thing in the morning, or are steadily worsening over days or weeks.
For recurrent but otherwise mild headaches, keep a simple diary of when they happen and what helps, and discuss it with a doctor. Avoid giving frequent pain relief for headaches over many days without medical advice, as overuse can sometimes make headaches worse.