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Breaking the Cycle of Risky Behaviour
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Being in a gang and doing crime generates social connections, excitement and the opportunity to be cool. So does sport. The “Breaking the Cycle of Violence” report provides insights and provokes reflection.

Adult Preconceptions not Youth Perceptions

It’s easy to prejudge youth and forget that the risky and criminal behaviors they engage in maybe due to social disconnection, seeking a “buzz”, and poor role modeling. The “Breaking the Cycle of Violence” report produced by Laureus reminds us to listen and analyse what youth are looking for.

From Rejection to Resilience
“At risk" youth are often labeled as failures in the school system, rejected by family and banished from their own communities. Their sense of self belief becomes non-existent. In spite of this, or perhaps because of this, many show remarkable resilience and mental toughness. They have skills and abilities not necessarily valued by the systems that reject them. Many are talented but have not had the opportunity, motivation or exposure to mentors to harness their skills in a structured setting.

The Power of Sport
Sport and recreation is an area where youth can achieve success, feel good about themselves and develop new behaviours and attitudes. The fulfillment youth are looking for in risky or criminal activities can be paralleled within sporting environments.

Organisational Risk
Given the risky nature of their behaviour and societies perception of these youth, interventions can become constrained, utilizing activities which are considered low risk. Activities which provide excitement or an element of perceived danger may be the hook that youth need to keep them interested. Risk adverse organisations develop as they have the responsibility of young people’s lives, keeping both them and the community safe, while being sensible with their funding. However, it is critical that practitioners consider which interventions will produce the most effective outcomes.

It is helpful and affirming when reports such as “Breaking the Cycle of Violence” provide evidence based support for using sporting interventions with this population.

Download the “Breaking the Cycle of Violence” report.

Further Information
Social and Emotional Development among youth through sport
How Psychosocial Sport & Play Programs Help Youth Manage Adversity: A Review of What We Know & What We Should Research


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