Combat Bullying with Youth Sports!
Combat Bullying with Youth Sports!
Youth sports teams offer kids a safe and fun opportunity to develop self-esteem, team building, and problem-solving skills. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research found that team sports improved children’s “health through increased activity and skill-building; social development; moral development, especially with regard to delinquency and aggressive behavior” (Seefeldt & Ewing, Sports and Social Development, 1997). Enrolling your children in a team sport is a useful tool to combat elementary-aged bullying.
Children who participate in sports grow stronger both physically and mentally. Youth sports promotes a culture of inclusiveness and teamwork. They also reinforce the values of accountability, goal setting, effective communication, and mental fortitude. Learning these values will give children useful tools they can use when navigating tense social situations at school.
Elementary-aged bullying is pervasive in the American Education system. While we continue to advocate for long-term legislative changes to protect our youth, team sports are an immediate and low-cost option available for families. Being the victim of bullying can make children feel vulnerable and isolated. Connecting with teammates will expand your child’s social circle and support network. When children join a team, they feel included and play a role in their team’s success.
If your children are experiencing bullying, get them connected with a local sports team! Baseball, soccer, volleyball- allow your child to select the activity that most interests them. I would also recommend parents speak with the coach prior to joining and share your goals and motivations behind your child’s participation. Informed coaches can be instrumental in building confidence and skills that can be used on and off the court! Let me know what activities your child selects and how this translates to healthier peer engagement!
Benefits of Team Sports
References
Seefeldt, V., Ewing, M. (1997). Youth Sports in America: An Overview. President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest, 2(11), 3-14. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED413324
Mayo Clinic. (2019, August 23). Mayo Clinic Minute: What are the Health Benefits When Kids Play Sports? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dzpba9GP0w
Hi Renee!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your topic for your blog! My son is high functioning autistic and my husband and I both are concerned that he will face bullying in his later years of school. Right now he is a first grader and thankfully he hasn't had too many issues with bullying. The problem is that he does not know how to verbally defend himself. The other day his closest friend hit him in the mouth because he was upset with him and he did not say anything or do anything to defend himself. I am hoping that we can enroll him in a community sport such as karate or soccer so that he can learn how to stand up for himself through teamwork and cooperation. I think that building effective communication through team sports is a great way to combat bullying today and in the future!