A landmark new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that regular participation in sports and exercise during childhood has a significant, protective effect on mental health as young people grow into their teenage years. The research stands out for its scale, clarity, and detailed consideration of how sport and physical activity influence mental wellness among both boys and girls, offering critical insights for parents, educators, and policymakers in Thailand and beyond (usnews.com).
The study, conducted by a research team at Linköping University Hospital in Sweden and led by an adjunct associate professor, followed nearly 16,400 children born between October 1997 and October 1999. Parents recorded their children’s physical activity levels and sports participation at ages 5, 8, and 11, while the children’s mental health was monitored up to age 18. The findings reveal a powerful association: for each hour per day a child participated in physical activity at age 11, their risk of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder by age 18 fell by 12%. The researchers argue these results should motivate both health professionals and policymakers to make physical activity an essential component of approaches to prevent and address youth mental health challenges.
The heightened relevance of this research for Thai families is evident given increases in adolescent mental health problems observed in Thailand in recent years. According to the Ministry of Public Health, pre-pandemic surveys indicated that up to 10% of Thai youths suffered from some form of mental health issue, and experts believe this figure has risen due to rapid social changes, academic stress, and the impact of social media. Many Thai schools remain highly focused on academic achievement, with little time dedicated to sports, despite evidence showing the benefits of exercise on both physical and mental well-being.
The new research reveals notable gender differences. For boys, hourly daily physical activity at age 11 reduced the risk of depression by 29%, while the effect was 18% for girls. Boys showed even earlier and broader benefits: at age 5, their depression risk was already 19% lower if they exercised daily, and their risks for anxiety and addiction dropped by up to 39% and 35% at age 11, respectively. Among girls, reductions in risk tended to appear later, highlighting the importance of supporting girls’ engagement in physical activity before and during puberty.
Crucially, participating in organized sports offered benefits for both genders. Boys involved in organized sports had a 23% lower overall risk of developing mental health problems, while girls saw a 12% risk reduction. The effect was even more striking for specific diagnoses: rates of addiction were 41% lower among girls who played organized sports and 30% lower for their male peers.
Experts suggest that these gender differences may reflect biological, psychological, and social factors, including the influence of hormones and differing brain development trajectories, as well as patterns of socialization — in Thailand, as in many countries, boys are often encouraged to be active from a young age, while girls may face cultural expectations to be less physically assertive. The study’s authors call particular attention to the period between ages 10 and 12 as a “critical window,” suggesting this is when physical activity is especially beneficial.
A representative from the research team commented, “Physical activity could be used as a strategy for the prevention of mental health problems, especially before and during adolescence, and should spark increased interest among policymakers and motivate healthcare professionals to incorporate physical activity in treatment programs.” The findings point to a clear imperative for Thai decision-makers: to integrate sports and exercise into both educational and public health policies.
The Thai context brings several unique considerations. Organized sport in schools, such as football, volleyball, or traditional games like takraw, provides not only physical benefits but also strengthens social bonds and emotional resilience. However, in recent decades, time devoted to physical education in primary and secondary schools has declined amid academic pressures and competitive university entrance systems. Thai health promoters from the Ministry of Public Health and psychology specialists at leading hospitals increasingly advocate for a more balanced approach that includes not just study, but structured physical play and movement in everyday life.
Historical patterns in Thailand also reveal the rise of ‘tutoring schools’ and cram classes, which often replace time once spent in after-school sports or outdoor activities. These societal shifts coincide with a global trend of increased sedentary behavior among young people. According to the World Health Organization, more than 80% of adolescents globally fail to meet recommended physical activity levels, a statistic mirrored in Thailand’s major urban centers (WHO).
Looking toward the future, experts urge Thai schools and parents to rethink priorities, especially during the crucial pre-adolescent years. Innovative programs, such as compulsory daily PE, after-school sports clubs, and more inclusive sport opportunities for girls, could yield dividends not only in reduced rates of depression, anxiety, and addiction, but also in improved academic outcomes and life skills. Local public health authorities are also encouraged to partner with communities to provide safe playgrounds and subsidized sporting facilities, making physical activity accessible to all children regardless of socioeconomic background.
For Thai families wondering how to act on these findings, experts recommend several steps: encourage children to take up at least an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, foster positive attitudes toward movement regardless of gender, and advocate to school administrators for stronger physical education programs. Simple activities that can be woven into daily life — such as cycling, swimming in local klongs, traditional Thai dance, or walking to school — all contribute to the cumulative benefits described in the study.
In summary, regular participation in sports and exercise during childhood is powerfully protective against mental health challenges during adolescence. While barriers remain — from cultural norms to academic pressures — the evidence calls for a renewed emphasis on physical activity at precisely the ages when it matters most. As the research underscores, the right interventions now could mean a healthier, happier next generation for Thailand.
Sources: US News - Sports, Exercise Protects Mental Health Of Growing Kids, WHO - Physical Activity