A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland has uncovered a positive link between early engagement in sports and improved long-term mental health among children.

The study, spearheaded by Associate Professor Asad Khan from UQ’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, examined data from over 4,200 Australian children spanning an eight-year period as part of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

Dr. Khan elaborated on the findings, noting, "Consistent participation in sports from childhood is associated with better mental wellbeing amongst adolescents." The research encompassed various sports, both team-oriented (e.g., football, cricket, netball) and individual (e.g., karate, tennis, gymnastics), with the overarching conclusion being that children who regularly engaged in sports experienced enhanced mental health benefits.

While both team and individual sports had a positive impact on mental health, the study found that team sports offered slightly greater advantages. Dr. Khan suggested that this might be due to the social elements inherent in team sports, such as the presence of supportive peers, opportunities for forming friendships, and the pursuit of shared goals.

Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicate that approximately 14% of children aged four to eleven in Australia grapple with mental disorders, with boys being more commonly affected than girls.

The research also highlighted the significant benefits of team sports for children who tend to internalize their emotions and face challenges in socializing with peers.

Dr. Khan emphasized that while the results demonstrated positive outcomes for both boys and girls, more concerted efforts are needed to encourage girls to participate in team sports, especially at younger ages. Data showed a notable discrepancy, with 59% of boys aged six and seven participating in team sports compared to only 26% of girls.

Dr. Khan enumerated several potential reasons for this gender gap, including lower self-confidence and self-belief in sporting abilities among girls, the prevalent stereotype of team sports as male-dominated, limited opportunities for girls to engage in team sports, and the need for a broader range of sports options in schools and extracurricular programs.

The research's ultimate aim is to shape strategies that promote sports participation among children and to further investigate the underlying factors contributing to the lower participation rates of young girls in team sports. The research findings have been published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.