What Are the Negative Effects of Sports on Children?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

According to the Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, the negative impacts of sports on children are extensive. Children face increased risks of physical injury and psychological stress that they are not mature enough to handle.

Youth athletes are more likely to experience traumatic and overuse injuries because of the increase in sports participation and intermittent growth cycles. The Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine states that young athletes experience bone fractures in areas that have not completed the growth process. The muscles cannot keep up with bone growth leading to tension across growth plates and weak bones. Young athletes may have decreased flexibility, coordination and balance that may lead to further sports-related injuries.

Psychological trauma accompanies children exposed to non-stop sports participation. Young athletes may suffer from burnout, social isolation, attrition and psychosocial problems. Children may suffer from depression and mood swings when participating in multiple sports without downtime. The aggressive youth sports culture attributes to children with low self-esteem too. The Open Access Journal of Sports Medicines cites that coaches calling children names and parents showing disappointment lead to severe negative impact on children later in life. The decrease in having fun and the increase in competition result in negative social behavior.