All About Kids 2025 | Page 4

After-school activities can help keep young

Whether joining a sports benefits that help steer team, playing in

people the band

from abusing

young individuals away from or participating in drugs a club or, alcohol substance abuse. According these activities provide according a to to a United Nations study, structured and supportive sports and extra-curricular environment where

numerous youth can

studies activities

. that include training develop positive behaviors, on life skills such as selfesteem, resisting peer pressure build self-esteem and form

Whether joining a sports healthy relationships team, playing

. in the band

and or effective communication, Participation participating in these in a club, these help to reduce delinquency, programs offers activities numerous provide a structured alcohol and drug use and

and supportive environment where youth can develop positive behaviors, build self-esteem and form healthy relationships.

Participation in these programs offers numerous benefits that help steer young individuals away from substance abuse. According to a United Nations study, sports and extra-curricular activities that include training on life skills such as self-esteem, people feel supported and valued within a group, they are resisting peer pressure and effective communication, help less likely to seek out drugs or to reduce delinquency, alcohol alcohol as a means of coping. and drug use and school dropout rates. extracurricular activities also

Engagement in sports and

One of the primary ways promotes the development of sports and extracurricular important life skills. These activities help prevent drug activities teach discipline, and alcohol abuse is by fostering a sense of belonging and and leadership. For instance,

time management, teamwork

community. Team sports, student-athletes must balance clubs and other group activities create an environment ties with their training and

their academic responsibili- where participants feel connected to their peers and instills a sense of discipline

competition schedules, which mentors. This sense of belonging can reduce feelings of to work as part of a team fos-

and accountability. Learning

loneliness and isolation, ters cooperation and which are often triggers for communication skills, which substance abuse. When young are valuable in all areas of life.

KEEPING KIDS SAFE | PREVENTION Sports and Extracurriculars

After-school activities can help keep young people from abusing drugs or alcohol

school dropout rates. One of the primary ways sports and extracurricular activities help prevent drug and alcohol abuse is by fostering a sense of belonging and community. Team sports, clubs and other group activities create an environment where participants feel connected to their peers and mentors.

This sense of belonging can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are often triggers for substance abuse. When young people feel supported and valued within a group, they are less likely to seek out drugs or alcohol as a means of coping. Engagement in sports and extracurricular activities also

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promotes the development of important life skills. These activities teach discipline, time management, teamwork and leadership. For instance, student-athletes must balance their academic responsibilities with their training and competition schedules, which instills a sense of discipline

Prevention continues next page

These skills contribute to personal growth and provide health, young people are bet- youth, allow for targeted pre-

By maintaining good mental

Mighty Dragons Classes Also Available for Kids Ages 3 + young people with the tools ter equipped to handle vention efforts and promote they need to make healthy challenges without resorting harm reduction,” said Anna choices and resist peer to drugs or alcohol. Visit Goodman our website, a Research at and Policy Analyst at Canadian Centre pressure.

Another factor is that students are given positive role on Substance Use and Addic-

DOJOKARATE. COM

Moreover, participation in sports and extracurricular models in the form of

tion.“ The involvement of activities can improve mental coaches, instructors and mentors. These role models can results showing that without

coaches, however, is key, with

NOW ENROLLING health, which is a significant factor in substance abuse prevention. Physical activity has iors by setting a good example

influence attitudes and behav- this coaching

FOUR CLASSES $ structure there

is a comparable increase in been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and dling difficult situations.

Many sports teams and and offering advice on han- substance use 29.” Free Uniform Included. Call to schedule a class – day and time in advance. Ex. 6 / 30 / 2025

anxiety, providing a natural and healthy outlet for stress relief. Engaging in creative pursuits, such as music, art or drama, allows individuals to express their emotions and develop a positive self-image.

Having a trusted adult to turn to can make a significant difference in a young person’ s life, helping them stay on the clubs have strict policies against drug and alcohol use, and participants may be subject to regular testing. This creates a strong deterrent and reinforces the importance of staying substance-free.