In today’s world, where technology and social media are ever-present, encouraging our children to stay physically active is more crucial than ever. It’s estimated that UK children spend approximately 6 hours a day on screen time (TV, Tablet, Phone). Couple this with school, then life is becoming more and more sedentary. But why is this a problem, and what does it have to do with resilience?
At Family Cycling, our mission is to create fun outdoor adventures that benefit our young children, Matilda and Barney. We spend most weekends exploring local parks, National Trust or any outdoor location.
Our priority (and hopefully yours) is to cultivate an environment where being outdoors is the default. We also make cycling an integral part of our everyday lives. This is our primary means of transport for the school run. This lifestyle is more than just an activity—it’s a way of improving our children’s resilience, physical strength, and mental well-being.
It’s your natural reaction as a parent to protect your children. But your children will also have situations where they require resilience, strength and the ability to deal with a challenging situation. This is where I believe sport plays a role in modern society. In this post, we’ll explore how sports can impact the resilience of children and teenagers, considering the pressures that technology and social media place on their overall well-being.
We want to highlight the many reasons why getting your children involved in sports can lay the foundation for a happier, healthier, and more resilient life.
Why Sports Are Crucial for Building Resilience
Screen Time vs. Active Time
The average child in the UK spends more than 6 hours per day on screens, according to research by the National Health Service (NHS). With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, it’s no surprise that children are increasingly drawn indoors.
However, the physical and psychological effects of excessive screen time are well-documented—from sedentary lifestyles to disrupted sleep and a higher risk of anxiety.
Encouraging children to participate in sports is one of the most effective ways to reduce their screen time. Sports and physical activities provide structured time away from screens and allow children to experience the real world—facing challenges, solving problems, and enjoying the thrill of movement.
It’s about replacing passive engagement with active engagement, which is crucial for building a child’s resilience.
Learning to Cope with Adversity
Through sport, children learn valuable lessons in handling adversity. As a parent, I remember my own setbacks with sport and I believe it has helped shape me and my own experiences.
I represented my county in football and was chosen via Football trials. 3 months into representing the county after a training session I was told I wasn’t up to the standard they were looking for and I was told I was no longer part of the team. Going back to the car to tell my Mum (and crying as a teenager) and telling my friends at school was tough but the weeks and months that followed dampened the hurt. These experiences shape you and I believe Sport (and its ups and downs) provides you with the tools to deal with such situations.
It’s not just the feeling of setbacks, it’s losing a game, being unable to master a new skill immediately, or dealing with the emotions that come with competition. Sport provides an environment where children can experience hardship[ and learn to cope.
They learn that setbacks are a part of life, and they develop the skills needed to dust themselves off and keep going—whether it’s after a tough match or a personal disappointment like I had.
This resilience is fundamental in all aspects of life, not just in sports but Sport is a facilitator of resilience.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Team sports are also an excellent way for children to experience the value of collaboration. Working with teammates towards a common goal builds early communication skills and fosters an understanding that individual actions can contribute to a larger purpose. Being part of a team helps children understand empathy and compromise, which are crucial components of emotional intelligence and resilience.
Our Daughter is part of the school swim squad. She trains every single week and they compete in competitions. The teamwork and collaboration of relay races when competing is unrivalled in anything but Sport. Children from all walks of life and experiences collaborating together.
Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Playing sports has enormous benefits for both physical and mental health. Physically, it strengthens muscles, promotes cardiovascular health, and boosts the immune system. Especially in winter, when daylight is limited and children are more likely to stay indoors, sports offer a great opportunity to exercise, which helps counteract seasonal sluggishness and keeps their energy levels balanced.
Many see being ‘outdoors’ as something you do when the weather is playing ball (pun intended) but in reality, it’s more crucial to us all in the Winter.
Mentally, sports act as a natural mood enhancer. Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones, which can reduce stress and anxiety. For teenagers in particular, who face the challenges of adolescence, this boost in mental health can be critical.
Sports also provide a structured outlet for their emotions—whether it’s frustration, excitement, or competitiveness—and help regulate mood swings healthily.
Fostering Independence and Self-Discipline
Being involved in sports also teaches children self-discipline. Week after week our daughter will turn up to her clubs and train hard; sometimes pushing through the tiredness of training, or sticking to a schedule. I believe this is teaching her a self-discipline and habit-building process which is hard to learn without Sport.
The self-discipline that sports instil can carry over into their academic and personal lives. Children who understand the importance of dedication and hard work are more likely to develop into self-reliant and motivated individuals. Our job as parents is to create dependable, well-rounded humans.
Inspiration for Parents and Building Community
Sports don’t just impact children; they inspire entire families. As parents, getting involved—whether by helping with practice, attending games, or simply cheering on your child—builds a strong support system for kids. It also creates a sense of community for parents, who meet others with similar values.
When our Daughter recently competed with her school in a Swim competition there was real unity between the parents; cheering on other children and wanting the school to succeed. This is what Sport brings to the table.
These relationships provide social support that can be instrumental in reinforcing the benefits of sports participation, keeping the entire family active, and encouraging a lifestyle centred around health and well-being.
Challenges and Opportunities in Today’s Digital World
In our highly digital world, children are often lured into the comfort of technology and online activities, which makes getting them outside increasingly difficult. But the benefits of introducing sports to young children are profound, outweighing the challenges of finding the right activity or club.
By being consistent, leading by example, and providing support, parents can encourage their children to step away from screens and participate in physical activities that will help shape their resilience. Screens are part of society and the Digital world is part of what we do every day. I’m writing this from my computer!
The key is finding a sport or physical activity that your child enjoys. It could be anything—football, swimming, gymnastics, or even cycling. The joy of participating in something they love is what drives children to keep coming back, even when it’s tough or they’re having an off day. This consistency is what ultimately fosters resilience.
Summary:
Sports are a powerful tool in shaping resilient, well-rounded young people who can thrive in the face of adversity. It teaches them to persevere, adapt, and grow—skills that are critical in today’s world where the pressures of social media, screen time, and academic demands continue to grow.
I believe as the Digital world becomes more prominent in many children’s day-to-day lives Sports will have an even more crucial part to play in shaping tomorrow’s society.
Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.