Scoring more than goals
Young men and boys represent the group at the highest risk of mental health problems in developed countries yet adolescent males are less likely to seek help.
And without that support, all too often difficulties can simply fester into something that not only blights but destroys lives; the need for early intervention speaks for itself.
Sport and physical activity offer a way of boosting young males’ wellbeing and achievement but, according to a recent report, while it is important that these are implemented for all boys, “such methods should be targeting those who are at most risk of ‘falling out of the system.’”
The report, ‘What About the Boys?’, notes that “it has been well-established that regular physical activity can enhance social, emotional, and physical wellbeing which can enhance healthrelated quality of life” and it sets out the potential for sport to play a greater role in improving boys’ mental health.
It notes that up to 70 per cent of all children and young people who experience mental health issues have not been provided with an appropriate intervention at an early age, and calls for change in light of research showing that mental health outcomes are better when addressed early than at a later stage.
“We need to make sure we don’t lose empathy for boys or forget how they are motivated and develop, or how they learn,” said Chris Wright, head of health and wellbeing at the Youth Sport Trust, which published the report. “Being a boy in this ever-changing world means very different things than the previous generation, and certainly different to what their teachers, parents and coaches experienced.
“The power of sport has the potential to develop boys’ skills and wellbeing from an early age to prevent issues leading to mental health disorders, school exclusions and involvement in the criminal justice system.”
The report was published amid increasing worries about mental health, antisocial behaviour and lack of achievement and aspirations among boys.
And it asks difficult questions about issues relating specifically to them.
Its introduction notes: “For the last 15 years, the Youth Sport Trust has been driving change in the area of gender inequalities with a much-needed focus on girls. Providing girls with equal access and opportunities to the life-changing benefits of PE and sport is crucial. However, have we left the issues of boys’ disaffection, wellbeing and achievement behind? That is the key question that Youth Sport Trust Lead Health & Wellbeing Schools and Head Teacher Ambassadors have been asking us.”
The report cites research showing that 77 per cent of school exclusions in England were boys; seven per cent of boys have a behavioural disorder, compared with five per cent of girls; and that black boys and white boys from low socioeconomic backgrounds are least likely to perform well at GCSE level. Chris said: “We know through our work with girls the power of listening to young people about the things which switch them off sport and physical activity and working with them to tackle this and ensure they don’t miss out.
“These kinds of targeted interventions which are being used to tackle the gender gap in sport and physical activity, can also play an essential role in helping to turn around the life chances of vulnerable boys through sport.”
The report recommends greater targeting aimed at boys who are behind the curve academically when they transition from primary to secondary school, boys at risk of exclusion, those from cultural and ethnic minorities and boys with pre-existing mental health issues.
The Youth Sport Trust worked with 12 health and wellbeing schools to develop new approaches to better supporting boys’ wellbeing through sport-based interventions.
They agreed that ‘peer led’ activities needed to be a high priority alongside urban, individual challenges and outdoor activities.
The Youth Sport Trust has committed to placing a greater emphasis on working to support Year Seven boys who come from poorer communities.
The charity will focus on redefining the experience, content and environment for Year Seven PE, helping to place a greater weight on the wider wellbeing benefits of sport and physical activity among this group.