Body Image, Social Media and Gender Biases Associated with Kids Quitting Sports

Key Facts

Body image issues, social media, gender biases and coaching styles may be causing young athletes to quit sports, according to research presented by Nemours Children's Health at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition.
Previous studies have found that 70% of children quit sports by age 13, and by age 14 girls quit at twice the rate of boys.
Kids who participate in youth sports have improved cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and a healthy weight," said lead study author Cassidy M. Foley Davelaar, DO, FAAP, CAQSM, of the Nemours Children's Health Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, an associate professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and physician for the U.S.
Based on these findings, the researchers note, parents need to understand coaches' impact on youth sports participation and ensure that coaches have proper training to foster a positive environment for participation.