As South Africans, many of us grew up on some variation of the same lines from our elders. It’s not raining, go play outside, was number one on my grandmother’s greatest hits. Making mud pies and climbing trees until the street lights came on transitioned into practice or rehearsal, chores and a mountain of homework. The schools that I went to placed great emphasis on participating in extracurricular activities.
The self-determination theory posits that, (SDT) (Deci and Ryan 2012), child well-being depends on the extent to which the social environment provides opportunities for satisfaction of three innate psychological needs – competence, autonomy, and relatedness.
Providing children with opportunities to excel and thrive outside of academia allows them to have a well rounded experience, exercising both their minds and bodies. In conjunction, this gives spaces for students who are not academically inclined to be high achievers as well.
Addressing children’s needs in a holistic manner necessitates a collaborative, intersectoral, and transdisciplinary approach. By offering extracurricular activities, schools consider the social, physical and emotional growth that is vital to the progress of students. Programs that integrate arts, physical education, and mental health support alongside traditional academics create a comprehensive environment where children thrive. Community involvement and cultural sensitivity also play crucial roles in crafting supportive networks, fostering an inclusive space where every child feels valued and understood. All together creating a nurturing atmosphere that empowers children to reach their full potential and become compassionate and resilient individuals ready to contribute positively to society.
Fresh air, healthy social settings, physical and mental activity are all instrumental in the growth of young people. On an Instagram poll with over 200 voters, 70% of voters indicated that their parents/guardians encouraged them to participate in after school activities. 43% voted that they were encouraged to do so for the positive impact on their health and wellbeing as well as to make friends.
Sport is an excellent way for young people to learn, play and exercise. Netball for example. The game has a list of rules. If an athlete fails to follow the rules, even by mistake, they will be penalized immediately. Thus experiencing the consequence of their actions. Each match has a specific time allocation, which means athletes know how long they have to achieve their goal, win. Each athlete has a role to play in their team and each role is instrumental to the success of the team. Students learn consequences, time management and determination through playing sports. Skills that inform their success later on in life. The building of teamwork, straightforward communication (Your ball, I got it…), relationships as well as a sense of belonging assists in the social development and success of students. Extracurricular activities provide a positive and impactful environment for children to be stimulated mentally and physically. Children learn significant life skills from their activities outside of the classroom. For example, problem solving to get past the opposition’s defender or what to do when someone they are performing with forgets a line.
Participating in sports or cultural activities builds relationships between children and their peers. They learn to connect, communicate and empathize with the people that they work and play with. Soft skills are essential in life during and after high school and can be applied to any field or career that one hopes to pursue.
A hot topic at the moment is the impact of social media on the mental health of young people. It has become increasingly common for teenagers to use digital platforms to form social relationships. Extracurricular activities are an opportunity to get to know people from other grades and classes, which could result in building authentic connections as opposed to parasocial relationships online.
Parasocial: (adjective) of or relating to the connection or imagined connection between a regular person and a fictional character, celebrity, or other public figure. (Dictionary.com)
According to UNICEF, concerns regarding children’s physical and mental health are on the rise, as some data suggests a connection between increased screen time and a decline in outdoor activities, poorer sleep quality, heightened anxiety symptoms, and unhealthy eating habits. Navigating the ever-changing digital landscape can pose challenges for both teenagers and their parents, as the advantages and potential dangers of the online world are intertwined rather than separate.Whether it is to use Sparknotes, Kevin Math Science or a YouTube video explaining accounting principles, the internet can be a valuable resource for students of all ages. The inherent issue comes with mindless scrolling and seeking validation. A balance is imperative. Not only between outdoor and indoor activities, but also discipline and access when it comes to children using the internet. Limiting internet access could possibly infringe on a student’s autonomy, the element of a child’s well being. However, this restriction strengthens a student’s ability to exercise balance. Thus establishing healthy boundaries with the internet as well as reinforces competence.
There are a vast range of factors to consider to ensure there is harmony in the life of a student. The equilibrium between physical and mental health as well as outdoor and online activities needs to be maintained through stimulation, connections and potential to grow and thrive in positive environments. Not only do extracurricular activities provide students with mental and physical exercise and expression, they also develop the soft skills essential for future success.