High School activities are crucial to the development of young adults academically, socially, and physically and can also lead to healthier lifestyles and more successful adult lives. Coaches, parents, players, and researchers agree that the removal of activities such as sports can be detrimental to the long term development of America’s youth. For reasons varying from combating obesity to developing social skills, here’s why after school activities are important to the success of young people. Academics are at least ⅓ of a young person's life. With the increasingly competitive nature of colleges and secondary education, many students are left looking for any edge they can get. Many are finding that edge in the world of sports, where
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For many teens, social situations and interactions can be difficult and confusing, leaving some friendless and lonely. However, teens participating in afterschool activities, may find being social less of a challenge. Studies have been showing a strong link between the social health of teens and after school activities since 2011, where a study done by the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health found that extra curricular activities were a leading cause of friendship among High School students, supporting both the development of new friendships and the sustainment of existing ones. (The Case for High School Activities) Because of the safe and voluntary environment that sports make, they are conducive to the creation of lasting friendships. Because of this, students may find that the burden created by large transitions, such as the transition from Middle to High School can be easier because of sports. This is backed by a study done on social adjustment in 2013 where researchers found that sports helped make friendships during the transition. (The Case for Highschool Activities) The benefits of sports are even more beneficial to the development of high school girls, where studies find that “Girls who compete in sports get better grades, graduate at higher rates and have more confidence. The vast majority avoid unplanned pregnancies, drugs, obesity, depression and suicide.” (Benefits of School Based Sports) …show more content…
Many overlook or do not realize that the key to ending obesity may be right in front of them. If we look decade by decade since the 1960’s, the popularity of school sports has declined steadily, with less students participating year by year. At the same rate, obesity rates have climbed leading many to wonder if school sports could be the key to fighting childhood obesity. Recent studies have looked into the link between obesity and school sports and the results are promising. A study done in 2010 reported that “Not only does the physical activity help obesity prevention, but that activity can lead to better eating habits. Young people involved in physical activity generally consume more fruits and vegetables, are less likely to be overweight and are more likely to become physically active adults.” (Benefits of School Based Sports) Students who participate in school sports are more likely to eat well as after committing to a sport, they would like to see themselves succeed and get themselves the edge. When surveyed many students agree that they would like to be getting more physical exercise, with about 75% saying they would like to get more physical activity after school, and 50% saying they would like to get more exercise from team sports. (The Case for High
For many teens, social situations and interactions can be difficult and confusing, leaving some friendless and lonely. However, teens participating in afterschool activities, may find being social less of a challenge. Studies have been showing a strong link between the social health of teens and after school activities since 2011, where a study done by the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health found that extra curricular activities were a leading cause of friendship among High School students, supporting both the development of new friendships and the sustainment of existing ones. (The Case for High School Activities) Because of the safe and voluntary environment that sports make, they are conducive to the creation of lasting friendships. Because of this, students may find that the burden created by large transitions, such as the transition from Middle to High School can be easier because of sports. This is backed by a study done on social adjustment in 2013 where researchers found that sports helped make friendships during the transition. (The Case for Highschool Activities) The benefits of sports are even more beneficial to the development of high school girls, where studies find that “Girls who compete in sports get better grades, graduate at higher rates and have more confidence. The vast majority avoid unplanned pregnancies, drugs, obesity, depression and suicide.” (Benefits of School Based Sports) …show more content…
Many overlook or do not realize that the key to ending obesity may be right in front of them. If we look decade by decade since the 1960’s, the popularity of school sports has declined steadily, with less students participating year by year. At the same rate, obesity rates have climbed leading many to wonder if school sports could be the key to fighting childhood obesity. Recent studies have looked into the link between obesity and school sports and the results are promising. A study done in 2010 reported that “Not only does the physical activity help obesity prevention, but that activity can lead to better eating habits. Young people involved in physical activity generally consume more fruits and vegetables, are less likely to be overweight and are more likely to become physically active adults.” (Benefits of School Based Sports) Students who participate in school sports are more likely to eat well as after committing to a sport, they would like to see themselves succeed and get themselves the edge. When surveyed many students agree that they would like to be getting more physical exercise, with about 75% saying they would like to get more physical activity after school, and 50% saying they would like to get more exercise from team sports. (The Case for High