Sport can tackle the ‘happiness recession’
Embracing a sporting culture in Scotland could transform the lives of many unhappy youngsters
According to the Children’s Society, teenagers are facing a “happiness recession” with British 15-year-olds having the lowest average ‘life satisfaction’ out of 27 European countries. This comes amid levels of bad behaviour and violence in classrooms so bad that parents have threatened to take their children out on strike.
Covid clearly had an effect on children worldwide, but this country seemed to have been particularly badly affected. Educationalists are warning of a “behaviour bubble” in schools as children at primary school during the lockdowns – and therefore missing out on the development of social skills – enter their teenage years, when youngsters tend to be more disruptive.
It is undoubtedly difficult for governments to legislate for happiness. And many of the reasons why children are unhappy are connected to wider issues of poverty and the lacklustre state of the economy. However, there is at least one area in which politicians can make a real difference – and that is sport. Unlike countries such as Sweden and Australia, in Scotland, sport is often viewed as an optional extra, something that is nice for children to do but not particularly important. Rising prices to use facilities also mean it is increasingly out of reach for the poorest.
This situation, we suggest, must change, given physical fitness has clear and proven benefits for mental and physical health. Instilling a sporting culture in our children is something that could be done, if there is the political will. It would not necessarily need to cost large amounts of public money, given the public goodwill such an endeavour would attract.
If the SNP can’t be persuaded, it feels like an open goal for Labour as it prepares to mount a serious challenge at the next Scottish Parliament election.
Young people are naturally energetic. If this can be harnessed at a young age, the joy and well-being that being fit brings could be a lifelong boon for millions. Scotland must strive to become a sporting nation.