Students who participate in extracurricular activities show improved mental health, new data reveals

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH) detailed the connections between extracurricular activities and youth mental health in its most recent fact sheet.

The OCMH found that kids who participate in extracurriculars such as lessons, sports, after school clubs, or community ser­vice tend to have better mental health. Extracurriculars are organized activities that teach important life skills like teamwork, interpersonal communication, and stress management, which in turn bolster kids’ well-being and improve their lifetime outcomes.

Regardless of where the activity takes place, extracurriculars are known to help kids create strong bonds with their peers, develop conflict resolution skills, and be more engaged with school.

Most notable among the OCMH’s data are the mental health concerns Wisconsin high school students have and how the students’ participation in extracurricular activities affects those concerns. The office concluded that students who engage in those activities are less concerned with mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression and are less likely to consider or attempt suicide.

Visit the OCMH’s website for educational videos and additional information.