7 Reasons Why Sport is Great for Children’s Mental Health

Photo: National School Games 2022 / Hockey National B Div Girls Semi Finals  / Team Nila Content Producer Siaw Woon Chong

In line with this year’s World Mental Health Day (Oct 10) which emphasises the importance of holistic well-being, it’s crucial to highlight the positive impact of sport on children’s mental health.

In our fast-paced world, children face immense pressure to excel academically, navigate social challenges, and cope with bullying—both online and offline. That’s why sports play a pivotal role. Beyond physical health, sports offer numerous social, emotional, and psychological benefits that can help boost children's mental well-being.

1. Source of Happiness
   Exercise releases serotonin and endorphins—often called “happy chemicals”—that lift our mood and regulate stress levels, promoting a sense of cheerfulness and relaxation. For children, this is a natural and healthy way to relieve stress and improve daily well-being.
   
   
   
2. Community of Support
   Sport fosters a community of support, from teammates to coaches, parents, and even schoolmates. This collective encouragement creates a nurturing and motivational environment where children feel safe and supported, enhancing their emotional resilience.
   
   

3. Boosting Self-confidence
   Successes in sports, no matter how small, can significantly boost a child's self-confidence. Whether it's making the team, scoring a goal, or mastering a new skill, these achievements provide concrete validation of their self-worth.
   
   

4. Building Mental Resilience
   Life isn’t always easy, and children will face challenges such as losing a game, making mistakes, or not performing well on a test. Sports teach them how to handle these setbacks, learn from them, and bounce back, building their mental resilience for the future.
   
   

5. Developing Key Life Skills
   

   Sports offer a platform for children to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These lessons extend beyond the playing field, helping them thrive academically, socially, and professionally in the future.
   
   

6. Enhancing Cognitive Abilities
   Playing sports doesn’t just strengthen the body—it sharpens the mind. Research shows that sports improve children's attention and focus, allowing them to concentrate better on tasks, just like athletes who tune out distractions to focus on their game.
   
   

7. Improving Sleep Quality
   Good sleep is vital for mental well-being, and exercise helps regulate sleep patterns. Children who are active during the day tend to sleep better, leading to improved mood, concentration, and overall positivity the next day.

While physical fitness is a well-known benefit of sports, the mental health advantages are just as important—especially for young children. Sports help them grow up happy, healthy, and resilient.

As we observe Mental Health Month, let’s ensure that children are getting the recommended amount of exercise to nurture both their minds and bodies.

If you are looking for some sporting activities for your child, check out ActiveSG Academies & Clubs for seasonal programme offerings!