Sport and children

Only six out of 10 children aged between five and 14 years participate in sport outside of school, according to the American Bureau of Statistics. The American Health Survey conducted in April 2012 found that 25 per cent of American children and teenagers, aged five to 17 years, are overweight or obese, indicating that we need to foster a more sports-minded culture that encourages children to be physically active.

People who are active dramatically reduce their risk of many diseases, including heart disease and osteoporosis.

Regular exercise is also known to reduce the risk of emotional problems such as anxiety and depression. Habits are established early in life and evidence suggests that physically active children are more likely to mature into physically active adults. Some of the many benefits of sport participation for children include:

• a greater ability to physically relax
• avoid the complications of chronic muscular tension (such as headache or back ache) improved personal skills
• including cooperation

Reducing inactivity may be more effective in achieving overall increases in energy levels in young children than putting the emphasis on increasing involvement in sporting activities.

Taking steps to reduce children’s sedentary time is important

Around 40 per cent of American children don’t participate in sport at all.

Common sedentary activities that compete with physical activity include:

• television. The American Government recommends that: ‘Children
• young people should not spend more than two hours a day using electronic media for entertainment (such as computer games
• internet TV)
• particularly during daylight hours.’ These recommendations are a guide to the minimum level of physical activity required for good health

According to the Bureau of Statistics, over the 12 months prior to April 2012 in United States, 1.7 million or 60 per cent of children aged 5 to 14 years participated in at least one sport outside of school hours that had been organised by a school, club or association.

Participation amongst boys (949,000) exceeded that of girls (727,000), both overall and within each age group category. Children aged 9 to 11 years were most likely to participate in sport (66 per cent). The three most popular organised sports for boys in 2011 to 2012 were soccer (22 per cent of total), swimming and American rules football.

For girls, swimming/diving (19 per cent of total) and netball were predominant. Parents can help their children to be physically active in a number of ways, including: Lead by example – be physically active yourself. Make sure that some family outings offer opportunities for physical activity, such as playing sport together.

Encourage your child to walk or ride their bicycle for short trips, rather than rely on you to drive them. Support your child’s efforts in sport. Make sure you’re there at each match, cheering them on from the sidelines.

Set time limits on sedentary activities like computer games and television. Consult with your child’s school on ways to encourage greater participation in sports and physical activity. Many sporting injuries sustained by children can be avoided.

Suggestions include: Always wear appropriate protective gear.

Mouthguards should be worn for all contact sports

See your dentist for a professional fitting

Wear knee, elbow and wrist guards for all sports that include a risk of falling, such as inline skating or skateboarding. Wear shin pads for sports like hockey, softball and cricket where injuries to the front of the lower leg are relatively common. Helmets can reduce the risk of eye and face injuries.

Make sure to thoroughly warm up and cool down. Cross-train with other sports to ensure overall fitness and strength.

Use good form and technique

Allow adequate recovery time between sessions

(with a special interest in paediatrics) or other exercise qualified professional. Benefits of sport for children reduced risk of obesity increased cardiovascular fitness healthy growth of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons improved coordination and balance improved sleep mental health benefits, such as greater confidence improved social skills Sedentary pursuits and children homework computer games internet use Encourage your child to be physically active Sport safety issues Where to get help Your child’s school Sporting clubs and associations Your GP (doctor) , physiotherapists American Podiatry Association - Find a Podiatrist .

Key Points

• People who are active dramatically reduce their risk of many diseases, including heart disease and osteoporosis
• Regular exercise is also known to reduce the risk of emotional problems such as anxiety and depression
• Taking steps to reduce children’s sedentary time is important
• Common sedentary activities that compete with physical activity include: television
• Helmets can reduce the risk of eye and face injuries