7 WAYS TO GET YOUR KIDS INTO SPORT

CAMILLA FOSTER gets expert tips on helping children ditch their screens

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ENGAGING in exercise from a young age has been shown to reduce the likelihood of mental health problems developing later in life.

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that playing organised sports, like football, rugby, or netball, in childhood may reduce the risk of mental health issues during adolescence.

Researchers tracked more than 16,000 children in Sweden from birth to age 18, collecting data on their physical activity, time spent outdoors, and participation in organised sports outside school. The findings revealed that children who were physically active at age 11 were 12% less likely to develop psychiatric disorders by age 18.

The study also found early benefits for boys: those active at age five had a 19% lower risk of depression, and those active at age eight had a 23% lower risk.

"Participation in organised sports showed strong protective effects for both girls and boys on multiple outcomes," the authors from Sweden wrote. "Given the dramatic increase in the global prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents, this study highlights the importance of promoting physical activity, particularly through organised sports."

However, the powerful pull of online activities and smartphones means many parents find it challenging to get their children to step away from screens.