Children learn fair play, gender identity, self motivation and much more through participation in sport activities, a new book argues.
"Recent advocacy for physical education and sport has highlighted their benefits in the fight against childhood obesity, but the research presented in this book reminds us not to lose sight of the other ways in which they contribute to the development of young people", says Dr Richard Light, senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Social Work.
Dr Light's book, titled Sport in the lives of young Australians and published by Sydney University Press, features in-depth studies on children within school, club and social environments around Australia. Children as young as 10 years old showed the ability to reflect on the conflicting messages from elite and professional 'media' sport. "If we can play fairly, then why can't footy players who get paid to play?" said one.
A chapter on nippers and surf life saving clubs showed how the children developed on a number of levels: friendships with older kids and adults through the surf club 'community'; the ability to decide on how competitive to be; and social responsibility for those who went on to take an active role in patrolling were important aspects.
According to Dr Light, children learn fair play, gender identity, self motivation and much more through participation in sport activities.