Social Media & Youth Sports: The Poison & the Antidote
The state of youth sports is a constant discussion at ACES Nation as it is at the core of what we do. Often we read and hear about how bad team sports have gotten due to their financial burden, hectic schedules, overbearing parents - the list goes on. But there is no denying the benefits of youth sports for the health of our children, communities, and future.
A recent episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, “Dr. Jonathan Haidt: How Smartphones & Social Media Impact Mental Health & the Realistic Solutions,” covers the effects of spending excessive amounts of time interacting with social media, video games, and screens are having on our younger generations. Kids are more depressed, anxious, and suicidal than ever before. Both Dr. Huberman and Dr. Haidt go into detail on exactly what this is doing to our children’s brains and bodies, but also how it is having an impact on our communities as a whole. Screens and helicopter parenting have taken kids out of the neighborhood streets and into isolated, sedentary digital worlds. Relationships are suffering as a result, but there are solutions to the current trends.
A main solution Dr. Haidt points to is, “[The other thing that] the evidence shows is that team sports and religion, those two things are very, very protective. So I would strongly urge people to encourage their kids to play team sports. My kids run track which is great, but team sports force more cooperation. So there's some evidence that team sports are even better for their mental health than individual sports.”
“You don't want super duper over-supervised high pressure sports leagues. I mean, that's better than nothing. But ideally, the more they play games that are more intramural and informal, the kids are enforcing the rules, you know, all of that would be better. Our kids are not rooted in communities anymore but sports and religion are two things that do that.”
Team sports play a crucial role in the development of children, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. One significant advantage of team sports is their ability to foster social connections and a sense of community, which can be particularly important in an era dominated by smartphones and social media. According to insights from the podcast, the excessive use of smartphones and social media can negatively impact mental health, particularly among young people. These digital platforms often create environments that encourage superficial interactions and comparisons, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. In contrast, team sports provide an opportunity for children to engage in meaningful, face-to-face interactions, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging.
Participating in team sports can also help children develop essential life skills that are often underdeveloped in the digital age. For instance, team sports teach kids about teamwork, communication, and leadership. These experiences require children to work together towards a common goal, navigate conflicts, and support one another, fostering a sense of empathy and cooperation. Such skills are invaluable not only on the field but also in everyday life, helping children build stronger, more resilient relationships with their peers. The structure and discipline inherent in team sports can instill a sense of responsibility and time management, as children learn to balance practice schedules, games, and their academic commitments.
Encouraging children to play recreation-based team sports can provide a healthy alternative to the screen-centric lifestyle. Physical activity is a well-documented antidote to the sedentary behaviors associated with excessive screen time. Engaging in sports not only promotes physical health but also enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and improving mood through the release of various neurochemicals. Additionally, the competitive and cooperative aspects of team sports allows children the opportunity to problem solve and compromise in a small group setting, counteracting the negative effects of social media-induced arguments and bullying. By creating environments where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and physically, team sports and informal recreational play offer a holistic approach to development that can mitigate the adverse effects of excessive smartphone use and foster a healthier, more connected generation.
You can listen to the podcast episode discussed in this blog HERE.
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