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New research suggests that if your kids play a sport they will be less likely to drink, smoke, do drugs or have sex than other, non-athletic kids. In fact, these findings are true even for the so-called extreme or “outcast” sports that some adults frown on.

Troy Sanders, for example, likes rollerblading – but he says it comes with a stereotype.

“Definitely the [rollerblade] stereotype is lazy, drug using, just losers,” he says.

Troy remembers one incident – when he was skating in an office park and the owner suddenly appeared.

“He didn’t even ask us to leave or anything,” says Troy. “[He was] immediately swearing and threatening us, like we were killing someone.”

“Yeah, you get kicked out from a lot of places,” adds 17-year-old Tony Rodarte. “They usually call the cops.”

Why do some adults look down on kids who skateboard or rollerblade?

“They see these folks as somehow being different,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Stephen Mathis. “It’s not an organized sport [like those] at school that they go to, you don’t take Skateboarding 101. It’s not in PE.”

But according to research from the University of North Carolina, teens that exercise – including skateboarders – are less likely to drink, fight or have sex than kids who sit around watching TV.

“They’re out in the sunlight, they are getting a lot of fresh air,” says Dr. Mathis. “They are getting a lot of peer group bonding with other skateboarders. There’s a really good community with those folks.”

The research shows these kids have a higher self-esteem than other kids.

“There is nothing better than learning a trick you’ve been trying forever,” says Troy, “or a trick you’ve wanted to do for so long. It’s just – it gives you that adrenaline pump. It definitely gives you self confidence.”

Experts say parents should encourage physical activity in their kids – even if it’s in an alternative sport that you might not choose.

“Whether the sport is lacrosse or basketball or skateboarding,” says Dr. Mathis, “serious athletes generally are not sitting around figuring out ways to get into trouble or to get high.”

What We Need To Know

• Parents should realize that any type of cardiovascular exercise – including skateboarding – is important for mental health. Exercise relieves stress. Also, active children are less likely to be depressed. (Dr. Andy Blatt, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)




• Because of the growing obesity epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control recommends children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)




• Of course, skateboarding and rollerblading do present the risk for injury. That risk, however, is not greater than in other sports. Concerned parents should research the particular sport and find out what safety equipment is required, to minimize any risks. (Dr. Stephen Mathis, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)




• If you are unhappy with a child’s decision to skateboard, consider why you may feel that way. Is it because you want your child to be involved in more mainstream activities? Parents should deal with those feelings on their own – and try not project their issues onto the child. (Dr. Stephen Mathis, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)




• If parents do project their negative perceptions of skateboarders onto the child the results could be harmful. Children who feel an overwhelming need to have their parents’ approval may acquiesce to their parents’ wishes. That will in turn distance the child from him or herself, creating an identity issue. (Dr. Stephen Mathis, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)




• If parents or other adults make it clear they have a negative perception of skateboarding, some children may internalize those stereotypes – and become more likely to engage in harmful behaviors. (Dr. Stephen Mathis, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)




• Other children who feel lectured by their parents on the issue of skateboarding may simply stop confiding in their parents, on this and other topics. (Dr. Stephen Mathis, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)




• Parents who have persistent fears that skateboarding can lead to trouble should talk to their children. Ask the child why he or she likes the sport — and express your concerns in a calm and appropriate way. (Dr. Stephen Mathis, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist)

Resources

• “Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns Are Associated With Selected Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors,” PEDIATRICS Volume 117, Number 4, April 2006
• Dr. Penny Gordon-Larsen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Study Co-Author
• Dr. Melissa C. Nelson, University of Minnesota, Study Lead Author

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