The National Survey of Children’s Health says that about 55% of U.S. children play organized sports activities. These embody low-contact sports activities, corresponding to tennis and swimming, which don’t require bodily contact between gamers. They additionally embody high-contact sports activities, corresponding to soccer and lacrosse. Some consider children ought to keep away from high-contact sports activities. Others say the advantages outweigh the dangers. We requested TFK readers for their ideas. Where do you stand?
Nahla Bradley, 10
Greensboro, North Carolina
Kids ought to be capable to play contact sports activities. If their choices are restricted, they could lose curiosity in bodily exercise.
In all sports activities, there’s a threat of harm. Thumb wrestling is a contact sport! But it’s very uncommon to get harm whereas thumb wrestling.
Lincoln Tenneson, 9
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Contact sports activities are harmful, even for adults. If adults can get harm, youngsters can get harm much more. Tackle soccer is harmful for children as a result of their bones haven’t absolutely developed but. So they’ll simply be damaged. Some children have gotten very harm from contact sports activities.
Julian Dela Cruz, 12
Denver, Colorado
Almost all sports activities embody some contact. If children weren’t allowed to play any sport with contact, there wouldn’t be an actual choice. Parents could be involved about accidents. But high-contact sports activities normally require younger gamers to put on protecting pads. (Adult gamers, too!)
Mila Matusevich, 13
Corona, California
Kids shouldn’t be allowed to play contact sports activities. They might get injured. They might have sprains and break bones. They might get accidents that final their whole lives. Also, some dad and mom push children to go too far. This will be an disagreeable expertise.
Suchitra Panda, 10
Cupertino, California
Contact sports activities would possibly include dangers, however they contain teamwork. This develops communication abilities. Contact sports activities additionally assist children acquire competitiveness and sportsmanship. And they enhance resilience and endurance.
William Lee, 9
Bundang, South Korea
Kids mustn’t play contact sports activities till they’re older. Their bones and muscle mass are nonetheless rising. Big hits could cause severe accidents. Children can nonetheless have enjoyable by swimming, working, or enjoying basketball. When they develop greater, they’ll strive contact sports activities extra safely.
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*Submissions have been edited solely for size and readability. They usually are not meant to replicate the views of TIME for Kids. Ages are correct as of the time of submission.