Well I think I can put my finger on when the problem occurred. I can remember in little league football when all of a sudden they changed how they were teaching kids to block and tackle. It went from blocking and tackling with the shoulder ‘Get your shoulder in there, son!’ to blocking and tackling with the helmet, ‘Put your helmet in there at the numbers, son !’. All of a sudden there was these proliferation of neck rolls as part of your equipment. From then Jr high to high school you struck with your helmet. There were pseudo-scientific explanations from the coaches about how this was safer then using the shoulder. Of we all accepted their explanation, back in the old days of open face helmets and lighter pads you could only hit so hard. Any harder, you hurt yourself more then you hurt the opposition. I played rugby during and after college for almost 20 years and concussions occurred, but it wasn't common. In rugby shoulder tackles were used and the goal in the tackle was as much to tie up or take the ball as bring the man down.
I am not sure what the final answer should be, but banning football isn't it. Demphasizing striking with the helmet my be the best choice. However its a rough game and a right of passage for young American males you can get hurt. You can also drown fishing.
That’s not how I coached (90’s) or was coached. Low, shoulder, wrap up. Do not lead with the helmet.