Teens Involved in Sports Less Likely to Binge Drink

A recent study suggests that teenagers who regularly participate in sports may be less likely to binge drink. 

For the study, researchers examined 93 British male young offenders from a Local Youth Offending Team, along with 53 non-offenders from area schools. Both groups showed similarly low levels regarding socioeconomic status.

All of the participants were asked to be a part of a Youth Self Report, otherwise known as a questionnaire that measured behavioral issues and competencies regarding the involvement of organized sports.

Findings showed that offenders were less likely to participate in an organized sport than their counterparts, with 70 percent of young offenders having not participated in any sport or extracurricular activity.

Young offenders in particular were at an even higher risk for increased drinking compared to other younger non-offenders, which contradicts previous studies on team sports activities and increased risks of hazardous drinking. The study suggests that access to organized sports at a young age could help to ensure youth stay out crime.

"Many young people benefit from participating in fun, structured activities outside of school. However, more vulnerable youngsters, such as young offenders, are less likely to participate even though their engagement in team sports could have positive impacts on their health-related behaviours, including the extent that they misuse alcohol. It is important that the most vulnerable in our community are able to access and enjoy sporting activities," said lead study author Britt Hallingberg, via a press release.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Criminal Behavior and Mental Health.