With television, movies, computers, video games and mobile devices becoming more and more prevalent in the everyday lives of youth and teens; living an active lifestyle is now much more important now than it has ever been before. With more and more youth and teens being sucked into the world of technology, the importance that is being placed on extracurricular activities; especially those of the athletic spectrum has declined substantially in the last few years. Sports are often used as a ‘hook’, and are used to recruit youth and teens into health and education programs. The outer physical benefits of an active lifestyle in youth and teens such as a fit figure and are obvious, and the health benefits of sports youth and teenagers are often easy to see, but the positive effects of youth and teenage athletics have a much greater reach than just an active lifestyle and lean figure. "Our study demonstrates the benefits of youth sports participation on self-rated health and life satisfaction among young youth at a critical juncture in adolescent development. Our findings suggest that sports team participation may enhance school connectedness, social support and bonding among friends and teammates." (Zullig/White) Athletic extracurricular activities help to promote physical activity; such programs have also been proven to increase academic performance in students. Participating on a sports team has many positive mental effects on teens and youth including their self-esteem, self-confidence, behavior and social growth that persist well past graduation and into adulthood. Participating in sports helps to develop a healthy sense of competition within a friendly, team-oriented atmosphere. “According to the University of Florida, students... ... middle of paper ... ...een shown to help increase academic performance Works Cited Brown, M. D. (2000). Science or soccer? -- how important are extracurricular activities? Retrieved November 10, 2013, from Education World website: http://www.educationworld.com/_curr/.shtml Côté, PhD (2010) Kids Learn Social Skills Through Sports Retrieved November 10, 2013, from Softpedia website: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Kids-Learn-Social-Skills-Through-Sports-213039.shtml Springer Science+Business Media “Young teens who play sports feel healthier and happier about life” ScienceDaily Retrieved November 11, 2013 from ScienceDaily website: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100922082330.htm United Nations. Sport to Promote Social Inclusion and Diversity Retrieved November 8, 2013, from United Nations website: http://www.un.org/wcm/content/site/sport/home/unplayers/memberstates/pid/16005
High school sports are approached with clashing opinions. Some of these opinions are positive, and supportive of athletics. “Athleticism, among many activities, offers teens a physical outlet to exert their troubles, anger, emotions, and other feelings” (Chen 1). This can be observed in nearly all of the football players in Friday Night Lights. This can also be noticed in the world today. “Athletics help high school students understand their own abilities and talents” (Chen 1). This piece of evidence is very accurate when describing high school athletes. Sports can make a high school student humble. As can be seen by the preceding information, high school athletics can have a positive impact on a student’s life.
Youth sports are a staple in nearly every American’s childhood as highlighted in “Children Need to Play, Not Compete” by Jessica Statsky. Statsky makes two contentions in favor of this argument: first, that the participants of youth sports are not physically and psychologically ready, and second, that the mentality of win or lose is more harmful than helpful during the formative years of a child’s development. I agree with Statsky that children’s sports are too often over competitive, but some competition is beneficial to their development.
Although professional sports are very popular, did you know that less than 1% of high school athletes ever make it to the pros? (Smith). Such a small percent, yet so many high schoolers play sports because sports are the cool and popular thing to do. Most children played sports since they were in preschool. Travel sports start around first grade and most parents tell their kids to go out and play so they get involved in these sports. A lot of time and money is spent to train the young athletes. Many have questioned whether competing in these sports is good for teens and if the desire to win for some has taken over the “fun” aspect. However, the number of young people involved in competitive sports keeps increasing. Young athletes, should not focus so heavily on competitive sports because they put too much pressure on their minds and bodies, the stress they face ruins the enjoyment of sports in this time of their lives, and distracts them from focusing on getting a good education.
Our society, in terms of world sports, has grown increasingly impressive. Most professional athletes have been playing their specialized sport since grade school, and although impressive, the people we are rooting for are wearing out quickly. Although youth sports programs are a health benefit to society, they also pose disadvantages to a young person’s growth and development.
Sports are a popular pastime among all ages and types of people. People not only participate in them for fun, but also for money, physical fitness, rush of competition, and for many other personal reasons. Playing sports is especially common among young people in schools. Athletics are great and enjoyable for many reasons, but there can be a point where sports participation can go too far and become negative for children and adults. Sports specialization for young people is an increasing trend that results in sports having a negative impact on individuals and society.
Gould writes that “Leading youth development experts contend that one of the potential benefits of sports participation is the development of initiative or the ability to set and go after goals.” High school sports help kids to learn how to set and go after goals; an important lesson for every stage in their lives. Gould also states that the “National Federation of State High School Activity Associations indicates that [high school sports] promote ‘participation and sportsmanship’” (Are High School Sports Good For Kids?). In addition to setting and achieving goals, school sports develop participation and sportsmanship and positively build character in children. Overall, along with helping kids become more sociable, high school sports promote goal setting, participation, and sportsmanship in
One of the many benefits of playing sports is the children will build character. Building character is important because with character they will obtain new friends and develop different skills. Playing sports at a young age can build character in many ways, “Playing sports at a young age enables children to participate in social interactions and build skills such as teamwork, leadership, and responsibility as they learn to work with others to achieve a common goal,” (Aspen Institute). This is a benefit because they will build character from learning how to deal with wins and losses from playing sports. Also, they will develop different skills. Developing different skills will build character because, “numerous positive developmental indicators have been associated with sport participation, including improved self-esteem, emotional regulation, problem-solving, goal attainment, social skills, and academic performance,” (Holt). This shows how when children play sports that some of them acquire different skills than others. Lastly, some of the benefits that the children will receive from playing the sports are obtaining new friends and developing different
Participation in sports has proven to increase self-discipline and self-esteem, and can teach athletes to learn from their mistakes and move on (Issitt). Athletes playing team sports also develop the ability to work well with others and use teamwork in their everyday lives. Teammates form relationships that are strengthened over a common passion and goal. These relationships can last long after high school is over (Chen). These social skills translate into better communication used with an athlete’s family, peers, and in the community. Likewise, “A 2006 study in Maryland found that student athletes are 15 percent more likely than non athletes to be involved in their communities and to take the time for civic engagements, including participating in voting and volunteer activities” (Issitt). The same study also concluded that athletes are far more likely to be comfortable with public speaking than non-athletes. This study provides concrete evidence that high school sports can help to gain mental and social skills that will be used later in life
Some people believe that if their child plays just plays one sport and excels then they will receive a boost in their chances of playing in college or professionally. However, research shows that having kids play just one sport does not improve their chances of getting scholarships it only increases their chances of injuries. Dr. Kris Brickman, the team physician for the athletic program at St. John’s Jesuit High School, indicated “there is no clear evidence that having kids specialize in one sport before age 12 gives them any advantage in development or in acquiring scholarships” (Harris). This shows that kids who play one sport year around has the same chances of getting a scholarship as someone who does not play year
A growing concern in the United States is high school sports. Sports can strengthen an individual 's physical, emotional and mental state. In addition, students in high school who play sports are oftentimes more likely to focus in class better, and for a longer periods of time. Furthermore, they work better in groups and generally have greater grade point averages than students who do not play sports (Psychological). High school sports should not be forced onto students, but be offered. Sports teach students skills that can be applied in school, and in everyday life.
Youth sport has played a huge role in developing generation upon generation of America’s youth. With over 44 million youth participating in sports each year, it is obvious that sport is a crucial part of many children’s formative years. Youth sports are considered so vital to a child’s development that the few parents who withhold their kids from youth sport are often ostracized or viewed as negligent. While the benefits that youth receive from participating in youth sport are proven and unquestioned, there are also some drawbacks that are particularly prevalent in youth sport’s current state. Character, fitness, and lifelong bonds and friendships are amongst the most essential benefits that are derived from youth sport. Overinvolved parents, inadequate coaching, and an overemphasis on winning, on the other hand, are chief amongst
Athletes that start training extensively from a young age develop strong body and bones that will prepare their body for good health as well as the rigors of elite and professional sport as they develop. As these athletes grow up they will have a large skillset that will benefit them throughout all aspects of their lives, physically and mentally. They develop goal setting, motivation, determination, commitment, resilience, and social skills, and earn a strong sense of discipline from growing up as an athlete. Young athletes also develop great lifestyle habits in terms of being active, making good nutrition choices and maintaining a stable social life, which all lead to a longer and more sustained lifespan. Studies also show that when children begin to exercise at an early age, they tend to academically perform better, have fewer behavioral and disciplinary problems, and can pay attention in class longer than their peers. (Tomorrow Youth Organisation, 2011). Then eventually, they can become successful and professional athletes, even earning
Many children that are actively involved in sports are looking to have fun and ensure a sense of belonging with peers. The youth of a community are able to gain new friendships in an exciting and pleasurable atmosphere, in the mean time improving skills and enjoying an active lifestyle. Children have the need to feel wanted and appreciated by others, whether it being a teammate, a coach, a friend, or family members. A positive atmosphere is needed for a child have a successful experience in a sport or activity. Without all these attributes a child may feel neglected and believe they have little or no value to a team. Over a course of time children drop out of an activity because there is no excitement left in the sport. This is because sports now focus on competition and winning rather than enjoyment of an activity. “[Throughout] childhood, boys overwhelmingly identify athletic ability as a determinant of social status among their peers, while girls tend to focus on appearance for peer acceptance.” (Adler, Kless, & Adler, 1992, p.170) The sport then becomes more stressful and uninteresting to youth members, as there is now pressure to be the best. Youth find it easier to give up on a sport rather than to try. The negativity that a sport projects can cause a child to no longer resume participating in other dynamic activities, children will feel unsuccessful and incompetent with all other activities. The majority of children and youth drop out of active sports and recreation because of a loss of fun, lack of success and/or excessive pressure from parents and coaches.
"Do Sports Keep Teens Out of Trouble?" LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 21 Oct. 2013. Web. 01 May 2014.
It has been known a proven fact that participation in high school sports encourages better moods, self-esteem, and a higher level of academic achievement. This has been proven through various studies, one of them being a study done in New York. In 2006, the Carnegie Corporation of New York discovered that students benefited from participating in high school sports. An improvement in grades, confidence, and personal health and welfare were appreciably noted in ...