A large new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that kids who regularly play sports and stay active have a markedly lower chance of developing mental health issues as teenagers. The research stands out for its scale, clear findings, and detailed look at how physical activity affects mental wellness for both boys and girls, offering important lessons for parents, teachers, and policymakers in Thailand and beyond.
Researchers from a Swedish university hospital tracked almost 16,400 children born between 1997 and 1999. Parents reported their children’s activity levels at ages 5, 8, and 11, while researchers monitored mental health up to age 18. The results indicate a strong link: each additional hour of daily physical activity at age 11 reduced the likelihood of a mental health disorder by about 12% by age 18. The study authors urge health professionals and policymakers to treat physical activity as a core element in strategies to prevent and address youth mental health challenges.
This research resonates with rising concerns about adolescent mental health in Thailand. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health show that pre-pandemic estimates found about 10% of Thai youths experiencing some form of mental health issue, a figure likely higher today due to social changes, academic pressures, and social media. Yet many Thai schools still prioritize exams over sports, despite evidence linking exercise to both physical and mental well-being.
The study also reveals gender differences. For boys, daily activity at age 11 cut depression risk by 29%, while girls saw an 18% reduction. Benefits for boys appeared earlier: at age 5, exercise reduced depression risk by 19%, and worries such as anxiety and addiction dropped by up to 39% and 35% by age 11. Among girls, protective effects tended to emerge later, underscoring the need to support girls’ participation in physical activity before and during puberty.
Organized sports offered added advantages for both sexes. Boys in organized sports had a 23% lower overall risk of mental health problems, while girls saw a 12% reduction. Specific diagnoses showed stronger gains: addiction rates fell by 41% among girls and by 30% among boys who played organized sports.
Experts suggest that biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to these gender differences, including hormones, brain development, and socialization patterns. In Thailand, as in many places, boys are often encouraged to be active early, while cultural expectations can limit girls’ participation. The study highlights a “critical window” between ages 10 and 12 when physical activity appears especially beneficial.
Experts emphasize using physical activity as a preventive tool before and during adolescence. Policymakers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to weave activity into education and public health programs. In Thailand, organized school sports—such as football, volleyball, and traditional takraw—support not only physical health but also social bonds and emotional resilience. Yet physical education time has declined in many schools due to academic pressures and university entrance competition.
Public health advocates in Thailand urge a balanced approach that includes structured play and daily movement alongside study. Global trends show rising sedentary behavior; the World Health Organization reports that a large majority of adolescents worldwide do not meet activity recommendations, a pattern mirrored in urban Thailand as well.
Looking ahead, schools and families should consider daily movement as a norm. Programs like compulsory daily physical education, after-school sports clubs, and inclusive opportunities for girls can yield benefits beyond mental health, including improved academic performance and essential life skills. Communities can support safe playgrounds and affordable sporting facilities to ensure every child can be active, regardless of background.
Practical steps for Thai families include encouraging at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity daily, fostering positive attitudes toward movement for all children, and urging schools to strengthen physical education. Everyday activities—cycling, swimming, traditional Thai dance, or walking to school—can contribute meaningfully to the protective effects highlighted in the study.
In short, regular childhood sport and exercise strongly protect against mental health challenges during adolescence. While barriers like cultural norms and academic pressures persist, the evidence supports a renewed emphasis on physical activity at the ages when it matters most. Prompt, targeted action could help Thailand nurture a healthier, happier next generation.