Physical Activity Helps Decrease Teen Behavior Problems

Spring is almost here! Only a few more weeks and you will no longer have to deal with your kids being cooped up inside. It might be likely that the weather keeping them from getting out has caused a few teen behavior problems. Not being able to do much outside the home has left them anxious, aggressive, and more prone to getting into trouble.
Luckily with spring on its way, there will soon be more opportunities for teens to get outside and a much larger variety of ways to exercise to burn off some steam. As most people know, consistent exercise promotes physical and mental health, but new research finds an even greater benefit for teens.

Daily exercise provides social and emotional benefits.

A study, by Trimbos Institute researchers in the Netherlands, recently looked at two possible benefits of exercise on mental health: positive self-image and gaining friends. Researchers studied 7,000 students, ages 11 to 16, specifically looking at those who were involved in team sports.

“In the survey, researchers found that teenagers who took part in organized sports had a more positive self-image and greater self-esteem than teens who weren’t physically active.” – Patrictia Neighmond

Those same teens were also less likely to have teen behavior problems, such as aggression and anxiety. A long-term study published in the Journal of School Health also concluded that being involved in team sports provided:

• Lowered risk of obesity
• Problem-solving skills
• Increase confidence
• Academic achievement

60 minutes of physical exercise each day

The recommended amount of exercise by the US Department of Health and Human Services is one hour each day for kids ages six to 17. With cuts in school budget, physical education is often one of the first classes to be impacted. According to the CDC, only 24 percent of female and 34.9 percent of male high schoolers receive a daily P.E. class. Thus, encouraging your teen toward more extracurricular exercise is vital.
Even if your teen is not fond of competitive team sports, they can still reap the benefits by getting involved in consistent exercise from karate, dance, or other individual activities.

Help with teen behavior problems

If your teen has extensive teen behavior problems that are negatively impacting his productivity and attitude, we can help. Trails Carolina provides wilderness therapy to teens with significant behavioral and emotional issues. Through focusing on physical, mental, and social health, we can help your teen make positive life changes.

Call Trails today at 800-975-73030 to learn more about our program and how we can help.