Alcohol Use and Smoking Among Adolescents Decreases with Coached Extracurricular Activities

For all of those high school guidance counselors out there - if you're looking for a scientifically proven way to keep students out of trouble, a new Dartmouth University study could provide helpful answers.

In a study consisting of telephone surveys from 6,522 "tweens" aged 10-14 years old, Dartmouth researchers found that those who participate in extracurricular activities that involve some sort of coaching were less likely to engage harmful behaviors such as drinking and smoking.

"How children spend their time matters," said lead author Anna M. Adachi-Mejia, PhD, a member of Norris Cotton Cancer Center's Cancer Control Research Program, in this Dartmouth news release. "Our research suggests that certain coached extracurricular activities can help prevent tween smoking and drinking."

The research found that many students participated in extracurricular activities, such as team sports with a coach, school clubs, outside-of-school clubs, and other activities including music, choice, dance, and band lessons. The only activity that was associated in lowering the risk of an adolescent trying smoking. Additionally, participating in outside-of-school clubs was associated with a lower risk of drinking.

55.5% of those surveyed said they participated in team sports with a coach and 85.8% reported being involved in a club outside of school. The study decided to focus on tobacco and alcohol while taking into account a coached activity because it was more unique than past studies that focused on drug use and academic outcomes.

Additionally, by asking about various activities, it helped the researchers further narrow down what can prevent adolescents from getting into trouble or forming bad habits. According to KidsHealth.org, connecting with one's coach can help an adolescent be at their best and push their limits. They can also share personal experiences and be of use when seeking advice regarding specific issues.

"Relationships with your coach can be different from relationships you have with your parents or teacher. Those relationships follow a more established structure, whereas a coach is usually closer to your level, working equally with you toward a common goal," reads the Teen section of Kids Health.

You can read more about the Dartmouth University study here.