“It is important that any program designed to serve youth provides a means for the constructive channeling of energy through physical activity. There is a particular need for at least some involvement in sports and activities that allows for differences in strength, dexterity, and size” (Erwin, 2015, p.202). Institutions should prioritize, based on current research alone and insist on providing some form of exercise for all adolescents under their care. Furthermore, regardless of the circumstances that brought the adolescent into detention, allowing them an opportunity to engage in moderate to vigorous activity is part of the developmental process for the body. “Exercise in adolescents is vital to lay the groundwork for ongoing physical health in adulthood. Being driven biologically to compete in life, and providing structured outlets for this sense of competition will help to prevent or counteract more negative manifestations” (Erwin, 2015, p.202). Detention facilities should also provide various opportunities for detainees to experience different sports and activities. “It is almost impossible to enjoy good health and achieve optimum physical fitness without a planned program of regular exercise. Therefore, physical fitness in youth confinement facilities …show more content…
Furthermore, “children exposed to repeated intrusive experiences, often of an interpersonal nature, such incidents could result from being more vulnerable to traumatic stress due to exposure to domestic violence or continued victimization. Court-involved youth are often on this end of the continuum” (Kendell &Pilnik, 2012, p.3). Most have witnessed or experienced various levels of stressful events, which ultimately could impact their lives in a less than favorable way. Some adolescents engage in, “negative outcomes such as alcohol and substances use, health risks such as smoking and obesity, mental health outcomes such as depression and suicidality, and social risks such as involvement in violent relationships and teen pregnancy and paternity”(Blaustein & Ford,2013, p.668). Therefore, it’s estimated that many of the adolescents in detention settings, who have experienced such stressful or traumatic events will participate in some form of inappropriate behavior. “Many youth who experience different types of victimization because they reside in dangerous communities, live in a home that is dangerous, chaotic, or facing multiple challenges, emotional problems that increase risky behaviors, engender antagonism, and compromise their capacity to protect themselves” (Kendell &Pilnik,