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Can sports keep young people out of trouble and away from bad influences?

Olympic Committee November 05, 2008 17:20:55

Olympics - Make your move, join the debate and voice your opinion!



Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.
No, kids will get into trouble either way.
Children who play sports are....
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  • +3 raves Brandy February 02, 2009 18:26:40
    Brandy

    Children who play sports are....

    Kids who play sports are more motivated to set goals. Keeping kids occupied is a great way to discourage acting out. If a child is in sports practice all day he/she will not only have less opportunity to act out but being active and healthy can boost a child's confidence and energy levels. When you're happy and feel good about yourself you are less likely to do drugs or engage in destructive behavior just to get a thrill. Sports teams and groups also often provide children with mentors and they develop heroes and idolize other sports players. It's good for children to have dreams.
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  • Brenda April 10, 2009 00:39:23
    Brenda

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    Because u dont think about anithing else
  • Crazzy March 12, 2009 23:01:57
    Crazzy

    Children who play sports are....

    will consentrat more on scgool so they can stay on the team but they are also more likely to do stariods.
  • joej'sgirl March 07, 2009 13:46:16
    joej'sgirl

    Children who play sports are....

    tuff and bullys
  • Nikki March 06, 2009 01:48:21
    Nikki

    Children who play sports are....

    usually out of trouble. But sometimes there more likely to take steriods to be a better player and have a better chance of winning.
  • Elly February 28, 2009 21:43:54
    Elly

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    yes, they are to bessy playing that they dont have time for those tipe of things. Unless they have bad friends that make them to try thos stuff.
  • jerrinator February 27, 2009 15:11:51
    jerrinator

    Children who play sports are....

    I think that doing something competitively is good for their development. It really doesn't have to be athletic either, in my opinion, they could join a chess club, or Odyssey of the Mind, debate team, Academic Bowl, or something else. My son isn't as adept at sports but he really excels in acting. While I would like him to have some physical conditioning, competitive sports aren't his thing... I don't think he should be forced into an environment where his chances of "sitting on the bench" for most of the games is all he has to look forward to. My daughter on the other hand is very gifted with sports and looks forward to playing soccer every spring. Learning how to interact with other kids, work toward goals, set a self standard of excellence are all good things, but there are avenues to these things that are not necessarily sports related.

    One other thing. I am generally opposed to people who keep their children busy, for the sake of keeping them busy. But please don't overload your children with hours and hours of activity without leaving time for them just to be kids.
  • tori February 26, 2009 20:03:19
    tori

    Children who play sports are....

    it could go either way...
    if ur playing a sport and 1 of ur friends tells u 2 use them and they say they will then ya thts 1 way and then sports could take up alot of ur time and u have no time 4 drugs or r just smart and use them
    and on the trouble part they can still be pretty bad but tht could get them kicked off the team so they would try 2 be good in skool so they woudnt get kicked off
  • kimmy February 25, 2009 23:30:05
    kimmy

    No, kids will get into trouble either way.

    i think that kids who will get in trouble, are going to get in trouble either way.. sports arent going to help.
  • mamawvicky February 25, 2009 02:29:41
    mamawvicky

    No, kids will get into trouble either way.

    Parents knowing and caring where kids are,and what they are doing ,would help more than anything.The kids that play sports and are really good at it,are the popular kids.And they are more likely to get in to trouble,like drugs,sex,etc.
  • Carol February 25, 2009 01:01:46
    Carol

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    As long as the parents are always present but if they are left alone to long they get with other kids that aren't the type to stay out of trouble they will follow.
  • divajinx February 24, 2009 23:56:02
    divajinx

    Children who play sports are....

    ...more focused on the matters at hand but they aren't perfect. I've known athletes personally who still got into their share of trouble. Most of it was drugs, but look at their role models! Too many of the highest paid pro athletes are on 'roids or some enhancing drug. A parent can only protect their kids so much. The more they're in the spotlight, the more the vultures are going to try to pounce on 'em.
  • farah fazei February 19, 2009 20:32:15
    farah fazei

    Children who play sports are....

    qwet
  • Nonicknameunlessyouknowme February 13, 2009 17:53:48
    Nonicknameunlessyouknowme

    Children who play sports are....

    Children who play sports are more likely to stay out of trouble but it's no guarantee. I think being in sports causes more parental involvement which is another way to keep kids away from bad influences, of course, they could always be introduced to steroids later. There are also stories of gungho parents who become violent in front of their kids during sporting events but those are much more rare than violence and drug use on the streets.
  • shelb February 13, 2009 17:34:41
    shelb

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    id rather hang w/ ppl who play sports
  • La February 08, 2009 20:33:16
    La

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    It's not a guarantee but it helps keep them occupied. Also it is better than having your kids stay at home and play xbox which is one reason America is fat! helps occupied kids stay home play xbox reason america fat helps occupied kids stay home play xbox reason america fat
  • Don La February 18, 2009 02:33:15
    Don
    Super Sizing is.Extra Lg. Soda/Shakes.Un-healthy eating habits do.trust me,I Know.
    I was diagnosed w/type 2 diabeties.30lbs over weight.Since Jan.1,I have lost 10-15 pounds.Cut out FATTY foods,Carbs,and a 'lil exercise'.I also take ALLI,the diet pill.The only FDA approved helper,not cure.But,when it takes 8 3/4 hours to walk off 3 slices of Pizza Hut cheese crust peperoni pizza,we need to address the Whopper,SLG Fry,Supper Soda.
  • jerrinator Don February 27, 2009 15:24:55
    jerrinator
    Don, I've been hearing that people who have type 2 or pre-diabetes have had successes controlling their blood sugar by eliminating all high fructose corn syrup from their diet. That stuff goes straight into your blood stream. Have you tried checking every label for high fructose corn syrup and cutting out all food containing it? It couldn't hurt, right?
  • Don jerrinator February 27, 2009 17:03:03
    Don
    Yes.But the #1 factor is carbs.They turn to the sugar/fuel that your body burns.
    If you take in TOO much carbs,it turns into fat stored for future use.Over time,if you don't use it,take in more and more,don't burn the extra you become fatter.
    I was an over the road truck driver in the latter 90's.To save money,I'd do the all U can eat buffets.Over 6 months,I gained 50 pounds.I came off the road,eat less,walked more(mowed the lawn) and lost 30 pounds in 3 months.My youth contributed to my issues,over eating,supper sized everything,binge drinking with friends,etc I got FAT!The so called Beer Belly.I have learned that to eat smarter,less trips to the pot to refill my plate and lost 15 pounds since 1/1/09.
    ALLI helps block the extra fatty stuff from getting into the blood stream.Not a cure-all,but a helper.I get a lil more exercise than before.But you need to realise that over eating and carb intake is the #1 cause fore obesity.Fat people have less energy and don't get out for sports.I found that as I loose the weight,I have more energy,less tired and feel better about myself.My Type 2 is better controled.I am on a 230 carb a day plan.Sometimes I go over,other times I stay under.I am still learning,but with a better attitude.I say it will help keep kids outta trouble,yes.But you gotta keep them from the buffets,supper sized everything.Playstations,XBoxe... a 1 hr a day ex.plan will do wonders.....
  • michaela February 08, 2009 05:44:32
    michaela

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    And if they take sports seriously and want to accomplish something with them, then they'll be bound to get in less trouble
  • Made4U2Wonder February 06, 2009 12:01:16 (edited)
    Made4U2Wonder

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    It's not full proof but in most cases children have a better chance of staying out of trouble when they are busy and tired from sports. But not just sports. Any extreme time consuming activies. Clubs like chess or debate. Dancing. Robot building. Ect.
  • Malynda February 05, 2009 22:49:53
    Malynda

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    They can still get into trouble, but they are less likely to because they are focused on sports. They have goals. They want to keep their bodies in shape, and stay "on track".
  • Bella February 05, 2009 21:45:27
    Bella

    No, kids will get into trouble either way.

    if you watch sports you hear the players cusin and all the rumors of people doin drugs and all that don't help
  • Beccy February 05, 2009 01:29:40
    Beccy

    No, kids will get into trouble either way.

    I think in someways parents no longer allow their children to be kids. People are on the go all the time taking kids here and there. Not that Being in one activity isn't good for children but......Kids used to keep themselves busy playing and reading. Maybe the uncoming recession/depression won't be such a bad thing. Kids won't have their own computers, TV's, and gameboys. What kids need is to be loved and feel like they are wanted. Maybe there will be more time spent around the kitchen table. We need to teach our children morals and they will stay out of trouble.
  • jennifer1969 February 04, 2009 22:44:09
    jennifer1969

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    lots of times sports keep kids occupied and healthier, physically and mentally.
  • IH - Lion of Light February 04, 2009 21:58:49 (edited)
    IH - Lion of Light

    Children who play sports are....

    Learning a lot of other skills (teamwork, strategy), develop coordination and make additional neurological connections they wouldn't make otherwise.

    With the obesity in our youth today, teaching kids to be active as a way of life starts when they are young. A kid that is a couch potato/TV addict doesn’t usually grow up and burst into exercise when they notice their weight is a problem.

    And it does keep them out of trouble especially with dedicated adult role models and great coaching...look at all the organizations that have been highly successful in poor communities (or any community for that matter) that provide healthly, team activities where kids can achieve, get caring guidance and belong to something.
  • Peanut February 04, 2009 21:31:15
    Peanut

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    But to a certain extent. Sports isn't always a solution.
  • Rebecca February 04, 2009 21:02:48
    Rebecca

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    They highlight players on espn all the time " If I didn't play [insert sport here] I'd be on the street"
  • Wren77 February 04, 2009 19:44:37
    Wren77

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    kids who play sports do so because they enjoy it. They must keep grades up to be on teams. so between practise, games and school work they do not have much time for anything else. Plus they are exhausted.
  • angel February 04, 2009 19:33:38
    angel

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    because your constantly busy with practices and you know that if you get in trouble you will get kicked out of your team. You also have to keep up your grades and your surrounded with people who always help eachother.
  • cmblake6 February 04, 2009 18:10:17
    cmblake6

    Children who play sports are....

    Generally much more disciplined. They dedicate a large piece of themselves to excellence, vs wandering around aimlessly getting into trouble.
  • pepper February 04, 2009 13:33:51
    pepper

    No, kids will get into trouble either way.

    Both my boys in were in sports, baseball, football and basketball. I would have thought it would be good to keep them out of trouble. But guess what, they got in trouble anyway. Come to find out, most of the coaches were not a good influence on them. The atheletic director in high school was also the baseball coach. We found out later a lot of stuff that was going on, like letting my youngest drive to Mcdonalds to get the coach breakfast and my son didn't even have a drivers license. Oh there was more, it would take to long to go into it. The coaches are only human, and some of them are not good for the kids.
  • Joe February 04, 2009 03:01:16
    Joe

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    IT NOT ONLY KEEPS THEM OCCUPIED BUT PROVIDES GOOD EXERCISE TO RELEASE SOME OF THEIR PENT UP ENERGY.
  • WD February 04, 2009 02:22:13
    WD

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    Where trouble brews over is when the young athlete is an exceptional talent and those around him/her start trying to cash in on their extraordinary ability. Many a fine athlete has been left broken by a system that uses them and then discards them.
  • +1 raves
    pkeyrich February 04, 2009 01:52:35
    pkeyrich

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    Sports, when adults are actively participating, supervising, etc, is a great way to keep kids out of trouble.
  • Big D February 04, 2009 00:46:40
    Big D

    No, kids will get into trouble either way.

    It is a great part of the whole equation of keeping kids out of trouble, but there are a lot of other factors that go into that. First the child needs parents that care about them and do not let them do whatever they want. It takes a support system for that child to help develop their self esteme and personal values. Education should also be a part of the childs life placing an emphasis on getting a good education. While sports are a good part of the equation they alone can not guarantee a child will stay out of trouble. Just look at our professional athletes and you can see that sports doesn't keep one out of trouble.
  • disturbedone February 04, 2009 00:29:08
    disturbedone

    No, kids will get into trouble either way.

    It might help keep them out of trouble but they will run into to trouble no matter what path they take or whether they do sports or not.
    -DisturbedOne4701
  • rouserbugs February 03, 2009 23:37:27
    rouserbugs

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied. when it becomes their whole life it may make them push too hard and get things they don't need. Bet Michael Phelps will not be able to regain mother's deep respect. She will always love him but he just fell off the bucket.
  • chrissy February 03, 2009 22:41:37
    chrissy

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    I think sports is a great release for kids, especially today in the world we live in. Kids today are under more stress then they were when I was a kid. Also sports let's them run around and be outside instead of in front of the computer or TV. There is so much garbage on TV and of course the internet can lead children to all sorts of crazy sites. As long as they don't get too cocky and emulate certain sports figures that aren't good role models, then I'm all in favor children being occupied by sports.
  • dexter February 03, 2009 22:20:00
    dexter

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    i think that though they may be occupied, parents need to be involved with their kids,
    both parents. and even then it is a crap shoot.
  • +1 raves
    Greatbear100~support our vets February 03, 2009 22:09:34
    Greatbear100~support our vets

    Yes, playing sports keeps young people occupied.

    But so can drama club, debate club, chess club etc. What works is having the child involved with othes in a positive rather than negative environment or activity.
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