June 1st — International Children's Day. For most people, it's a celebration with balloons, ice cream, and rides. But there's another aspect: health. And children's health is closely linked to sports. Not big or Olympic sports, but ordinary ones: running, jumping, ball games, bars. Sports protect children from diseases, bad company, and digital addiction. We tell you how sports help protect children and what adults can do. Statistics: children and sports Approximately 70% of children in Russia engage in sports (in clubs, schools, independently). This is more than 10 years ago (50%). But the problem is that by the age of 15-16, only 30% remain. The others drop out — due to laziness, lack of time, pressure from coaches. The situation is similar worldwide. Children who regularly engage in sports are 40% less likely to suffer from obesity and 30% less likely to suffer from depression. They have higher academic performance (sports improve blood supply to the brain). They find it easier to make friends. But there is also the other side: injuries. Every fifth young athlete gets injured in a year. Coaches sometimes overwork children in pursuit of results. How sports protect health Physical health: strengthening the cardiovascular system (rare heart diseases), prevention of scoliosis and flat feet (with proper loads). Maintaining weight (fighting obesity). Strengthening the immune system (children get sick less often). Mental health: reducing anxiety (sports distract from problems). Increasing self-esteem (the child sees progress). Skill of overcoming difficulties (losing is also a skill). Regulation of emotions (you can't hit a racket at the court, even though you want to). Social health: friends in the club, ability to work in a team, respect for the opponent, protection from bullying (athletes are less likely to become victims). How sports protect from harmful habits Children involved in sports are 50% less likely to try cigarettes and alcohol (WHO data). They don't ... Read more