Women's sport: 86% drop out in adolescence
To practice sport has many health benefits and many parents aware of these benefits points to children all kinds of sports disciplines, thanks to the fact that today there is a wide variety to choose from in any school or sports center. However, this hobby sometimes does not reach the adult stage, especially among girls, why?
It must be recognized that most children up to 12 years of age practice some sport, but since adolescence physical activity becomes less important, being the main cause "not having time" because the study loads and school work increase them.
86% of adolescents drop out of sports
But why is it that 86% of girls who reach adolescence, around the age of 16, give up practicing sports? According to the 2016 Report on Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents in Spain, several causes provoke it:
1. They have fewer models of elite athletes of the same sex to follow that guys.
2. Lack of family support: Sometimes parents support their daughters less than their children to play sports, especially if it is competition. They consider that for girls it is enough to practice a sport as a healthy habit, without being competitive. If either parent practices a sport, it can serve as a follow-up model.
3. Lack of social projection. Few female sports competitions are still broadcast in the media.
Measures to enhance and support women's sport
- Example of parents. The best way to promote it is through the example that parents can provide. An example would be to practice it together, parents, mothers and children, although we must bear in mind that any sport should not be practiced in a compulsory way.
- Greater female presence in sports clubs. Increase the number of women in management positions in sports organizations and federations.
- Motivation for teenagers. Currently, work is being done from schools, clubs, sports federations and experts on this subject to try to increase the motivation of teenage girls, so that they do or do not stop practicing a physical activity or sport on a regular basis.
- Change of trend. There is a change of trend in the practice of team sports. In the case of women's football every year the successes and the number of federated players increase.
- Retransmission policy. The media also dedicate more space to broadcasts, scheduling meetings, matches and championships, commenting on the results achieved by female athletes in sports that stand out most, such as water polo, swimming, soccer, basketball, etc. A clear example has been the great support shown at all levels, towards the players of the Spanish basketball team that have won the European Championship.
Advantages of practicing a sport
The main advantages and benefits of practicing a sport or physical activity on a regular basis are:
1. Psychologically and socially
. Improve self-confidence
. Encourage socialization with other teammates.
. Acquire values such as effort, perseverance, companionship, discipline, etc.
2. On a physical level
If we take into account the current increase in childhood obesity in our society, sport favors having an adequate weight. This will result in fewer diseases when they are older, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Physical activities are also beneficial to have a better performance and greater attention capacity in school. It also helps to improve the emotional and emotional state, influencing in having less probabilities of suffering anxiety and depression.
Mercedes Corbella. Psychologist and diploma in Social Work.
