Encouraging Girls to Be Active and Engage in Sports

Childhood is a time of wonder, exploration, and growth. It's a period when children begin to discover their interests and develop their abilities. One of the most valuable and transformative experiences for children, especially girls, is play and engagement in sports and physical activities. Today, boys ages 18 and under are far more physically active (26.0%) than girls in the same age range (16.9%) (Physically Activity for Children and Youth, 2016 ).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services strongly advises that children and adolescents should participate in a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. This should encompass vigorous-intensity activities at least three days per week. Within these 60 minutes, it is essential to incorporate muscle and bone strengthening activities on at least three days per week as well.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activities are those that induce sweating or heavy breathing, such as running, swimming, and cycling. Muscle-strengthening exercises involve activities that challenge your muscles beyond typical daily activities, such as push-ups, engaging in a game of tug-of-war, or navigating monkey bars. Bone-strengthening exercises focus on applying force to the bones to enhance bone growth and durability, typically occurring during sports or activities like jumping rope.

It is important to emphasize that 60 minutes of physical activity represents the minimum recommended amount. For even greater health benefits, increasing the duration of physical activity is encouraged.

Data collected across US schools shows that 53.0% of high school girls participated in one or more sports, compared to 62.2% of high school boys.?This disparity is due in part, to the high rate at which teen girls dropout of sports. By age 14, girls are 1.5x more likely to quit playing sports than boys, by age 17, more than half of girls quit sports entirely.

Engaging in sports offers girls a plethora of advantages that have far-reaching effects on their entire lives. These encompass a reduced risk of cancer, enhanced life skills (including teamwork, leadership, and tenacity), boosted self-confidence, improved academic performance, lowered susceptibility to obesity-related ailments (such as heart disease and diabetes), and heightened emotional well-being and resilience.

Physical Health Benefits

Engaging in sports and physical activities is essential for a child's physical development. Regular play and exercise help children build strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and develop cardiovascular fitness. For girls, in particular, encouraging physical activity from a young age can have long-lasting health benefits, reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health issues later in life.

Emotional Wellbeing

Playtime and sports provide a natural outlet for children to release pent-up energy, frustration, and stress. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are often referred to as "feel-good" hormones. These endorphins can help boost a child's mood, reduce anxiety, and promote overall emotional well-being. Girls who engage in sports and physical activities tend to have higher self-esteem and better emotional resilience.

Social Development

Playing and participating in sports also offer valuable opportunities for children to develop crucial social skills. Through teamwork, cooperation, and competition, children learn how to communicate, make friends, and resolve conflicts. Girls who participate in team sports often form strong bonds with their teammates, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that can last a lifetime.

Building Confidence

Encouraging girls to play and engage in sports helps them build self-confidence and self-esteem. As they achieve goals, overcome challenges, and improve their skills, they develop a sense of accomplishment. This confidence extends beyond the playing field and can empower girls to take on challenges in other areas of their lives, including academics and leadership roles.

Gender Equality and Empowerment

Promoting physical activity and sports for girls is a critical step toward gender equality and empowerment. Historically, sports have been male-dominated, but the landscape is changing. When girls are encouraged to participate in sports, they break down gender stereotypes and barriers, proving that they can excel in any field they choose. This empowerment extends to all aspects of their lives, encouraging them to aim high and pursue their dreams.

Lifelong Habits

Instilling a love for physical activity and sports in childhood sets the stage for lifelong healthy habits. Children who grow up enjoying active play are more likely to continue being physically active as adults. This reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves longevity, and enhances overall quality of life.

Academic Performance

Engaging in physical activities has been shown to have a positive impact on academic performance. Regular exercise can improve concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. Girls who are active and engaged in sports may perform better in school, setting a strong foundation for their future educational and career pursuits.

Encouraging children, especially girls, to play, be active, and engage in sports throughout their childhoods is of paramount importance. The physical health benefits, emotional wellbeing, social development, and confidence-building aspects of sports and play are invaluable.

It plays a vital role in breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality.

As parents, educators, and society as a whole, we must provide opportunities and support for all children to explore their interests and talents in the realm of physical activity and sports. By doing so, we empower girls to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives, setting them on a path to success and self-discovery that can last a lifetime.

It's not just about playing a game; it's about building a brighter future for our children and our world.

Comment below and tell us what kind of active play did you enjoy as a kid?