Youth development

In the physical education and sport literature, there are many debates around the world about the definitions of physical education, sport and physical activity. There are also large differences in standard age limits for young people around the world.

These questions will not be explored in detail here. Instead, a number of links to additional reading and resources are provided after each subtopic to direct readers to additional information.

Within schools, physical education is an essential component of quality education. Not only do physical education programs encourage physical activity, but they are also linked to improved academic achievement under certain conditions. Sport can also, under the right conditions, offer healthy alternatives to deviant behaviors such as drug addiction, violence and crime.