Aerial view of the AKU campus, Pakistan
AKU
Media Source: Dawn (Pakistan)
Date: 8 April 2024
Having access to sport and play is a right of children and young people, and not a luxury. Play is essential for the cognitive and holistic development of children during their formative years. Numerous studies and research have established the link between regular and quality playtime for children and their positive physical and…
Having access to sport and play is a right of children and young people, and not a luxury. Play is essential for the cognitive and holistic development of children during their formative years. Numerous studies and research have established the link between regular and quality playtime for children and their positive physical and brain development. Participation in sports is also tied to better academic performance, enhanced cognitive skills, and improved educational outcomes among the young. Engagement in team sports, in particular, fosters teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills, which are transferable to academic and professional settings. The results of a randomised control trial published by the Aga Khan University indicate a significant reduction in bullying and peer violence, and symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents when a regular sport and play programme was offered in 20 government schools in Hyderabad, Sindh.