We all know the multiple benefits that sport has for children: it contributes to the maintenance of a good state of health, prevents obesity, promotes relaxation and sleep, helps in their school performance, promotes socialization and helps improve self-esteem.
But, as if all this were not enough, according to a study prepared by the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies of the University of Queen (Canada) doing sports would help prevent bullying, and it has been shown that Bullying cases in the sports environment are less frequent than in school.
Why does sport help prevent bullying among minors?
Following the study prepared by the University of Queen, the Spanish Federation of Sports Psychology (FEPD) in collaboration with the COVAP Cup have highlighted the importance of sports as prevention measure against bullying among minors.
And it is that according to the experts of the FEPD, the development of certain values required for sports, such as discipline, obedience, learning from mistakes and respect for the contraryThey are especially positive when avoiding situations of harassment, as the relationship between partners is enhanced while strengthening personal self-esteem.
Therefore, it is especially positive that from schools and families we encourage children and adolescents to play sports, due to the multiple benefits it has for their physical and mental development."Harassment is due to power relations between partners and it is materialized, on the one hand, in the figure of the stalker, who lacks empathy, social or family support and, on the other, in that of the victim, a person with low or bad self-esteem and, therefore, more prone to suffer harassment in your environment "
“The sport has an enormous capacity to work indispensable values for life” - explains Joaquín Díaz, president of the Spanish Federation of Sports Psychology (FEPD).
"To the extent that good use of sports activity, this will introduce young people into society and teach them to follow the rules, to be responsible, overcome shyness and open up to others, which will make them recognize, accept and respect that there is someone who knows more than them, without forgetting also the advantages for the maintenance of the physical state, the increase of the motor possibilities and the growth of the bones and muscles "- emphasizes the president of the FEPD.
Similarly, and contrary to what some people may believe, experts agree that competing when it comes to sports is not bad, nor does it influence the activation of intimidating practices, since the competition is something of the sport:
"The child who plays sports always competes: against others, against himself. Try to achieve goals. The competition itself is not bad or good. It is neutral. The way in which coaches and parents are approached is what will make it enriching or that encourages other undesirable behaviors "- they remember from the FEPD.
And, unfortunately, it is not the first time that we echo undesirable behaviors by adults who accompany children when they are competing or playing sports. In fact, there are already several ear pulls that both sports clubs and coaches have given parents, remembering the importance of letting children enjoy sports, of the companions and of their eagerness to overcome themselves with respect for others.
