Getting children involved in sports is a common practice around the world as many people believe that it is a great way for children and young adults to get their physical activity. Often, the negatives aspects of the sports world at a young age are overlooked because of how beneficial sports can be. It is important to note that a child involved in sports are at risk for conditions such as burnout and eating disorder, which can lead to serious detriments in their overall health. Additionally, adolescents in sports have increased exposure to substances like alcohol and drugs, which can induce significant mental health concerns in a young individual. Many athletes often have to deal with abuse from coaches and their peers, which results in many young individuals accepting abuse and having fewer social abilities. Parental pressures and overinvolvement in the sport cause fractured relationships between the child athlete and the parent. Overall, there are significant negative aspects associated with introducing an individual to sports at a young age, which parents should keep in mind while deciding for their child. This review compiles and investigates sources from literary research done regarding children and sports.
