2024 Sport England Report demonstrates effects of exercise on children's mental health

DOWNLOAD: Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Physical Activity (PDF)

Watch the video summary of the 2024 Social Value of Sport Report released by Sport England. Watch on YouTube.

Released in conjunction with World Mental Health Day, the report examines 143 studies to evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on mental health in youth aged 5-25. The mental health conditions addressed include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

The report’s Executive Summary notes, “There is growing concern about the mental health of children and young people globally, including in England, particularly in mid- to late-adolescence, when many mental health issues first appear. Government policies and community programs often promote sports and physical activity as a potential solution,” but also adds that “the benefits of these interventions are less established for children and young people with diagnosed mental health conditions compared to adults.”

According to a 2023 mental health survey, 20% of children aged 8-16 likely had a mental health disorder, an increase from 12% in 2017. Among those aged 17-19, rates rose from 10% in 2017 to 23% in 2023. Children aged 11-16 with probable mental disorders were also less likely to feel safe at school (61.2%) and reported lower enjoyment of learning and fewer friends to lean on for support.

Widely cited studies indicate that 50% of mental health issues (excluding dementia) first arise before age 14, increasing to 75% by age 24. In April 2024, Edge Hill University researchers conducted an international review of sport and physical activity interventions for youth diagnosed with mental health conditions or on a mental health treatment pathway, as diagnosed by a GP or specialist.

The review found that moderate-to-high-intensity physical activity was most effective in reducing adolescent depression, with aerobic exercise being the most common and moderately effective approach. Aerobic exercises combined with resistance training, though less common, had a stronger effect on depression symptoms. Group settings for randomized controlled trials also proved more effective than one-on-one programs.

The findings will guide Sport England’s decisions for youth-focused initiatives, one of the top priorities in its Uniting the Movement strategy. The report will also provide insights for sport and activity providers, policymakers, and researchers, underscoring the need for more diverse and high-quality research on different sport types in practical settings for youth with a broader range of mental health conditions.