Have you ever watched a group of teens hanging out and wondered do they ever get any exercise?
There is certainly nothing wrong with hanging out with your friends. As a matter of fact, it's an important part of adolescence. It's when they discuss life and plans for the future as well as the latest fads and fashions. It often seems like wasted time to us, but they are busy figuring out life. They and their peers are talking through their understanding of life and their future.
However, this sort of sedentary activity should not be the only component of their free time. Getting them up and moving can be a challenge.
However, there is a ParticipACTION program called the Teen Challenge to encourage teens to get up and moving. And new research on the challenge, sponsored by Coca-Cola Canada, provides evidence that small, targeted investments of just $250 to $500 can help break down the barriers that prevent teens from getting active.
"Activity levels drop among Canadian kids in the teen years, and only four per cent of kids aged 12 to 17 are getting enough heart-pumping activity each day," says Dr. John Spence, professor at the University of Alberta and senior author of the new research.
The study, conducted by leading Canadian physical activity researchers, revealed that flexible microgrants could lead to numerous benefits beyond physical activity.
What is the teen challenge and how does it work?
ParticipACTION provides small grants to permit groups of teens to become active. The real trick of the program is that while the applications are made by local community organizations, it's the teens who determine the activity. Among popular choices are hip hop, yoga,
dragon boat racing and break dancing. A local group LOVE (Leave Out Violence) received a grant for snowshoes and were able to take a group of teens out for their first snowshoe experience.
In B.C., the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association administers the program. The programs and initiative manager Janet Rerecich explains that they target teens who would normally not have the opportunity to participate in physical activities without the resources provided by the grant.
They also like to build a legacy. So, for example, the snowshoes are a one-time grant but the benefit will last for years. In B.C., more than 650 grants have been issued for a total of more than $350,000 and they have reached more than 25,000 teens across the province.
It just makes good sense to me that when the teens can choose their own activity, they will participate and have fun.
We all know that being physically active is good for our health. The teens also say that they develop self-confidence, have fun with their friends, feel happier and learn new skills. They also do better in school.
I also imagine that once they develop the habit of being active with their friends, they will continue on the activity path. So, what is the process for receiving a grant? Go to the Teen Challenge page of the ParticipACTION website (participaction.com) and follow the prompts. We are not all going to be in a position to apply for these grants, but we can still learn from the ParticipACTION program. Teens are more likely to become active when they choose the activity.
When you think of it, that's no surprise. If someone told me that in order to be active I should ski, I would balk at that. I hate the cold and am afraid of heights. But if they take me to a golf course, well then I will happily participate.
Listen to your teens and help them find the right activity for them and they will be healthier and happier.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author of Vive la Différence, Who's In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home. Read more at parentingtoday.ca.
