The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health detailed the connections between extracurricular activities and youth mental health in its most recent Fact Sheet, finding that kids who participate in extracurriculars such as lessons, sports, afterschool 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. Linda Hall, director of the Office of Children’s Mental Health (OCMH), says, “Extracurriculars also increase belonging, which is essential to mental well-being.”
Historically, many students have been involved in school activities like band, theatre, and student government, as well as sports. Students also join afterschool clubs or take lessons in their community. 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.
Community service and volunteer groups also attract young people. Director Hall says, “This is good news as research shows that volunteering can boost meaningful connections, provide a shared sense of purpose, and reduce loneliness, hallmarks of positive mental health. The majority of young adults say their lives have little or no purpose or meaning. We know these activities are good for mental health, plus they benefit our communities, so we really need to be looking to scale up volunteer efforts – not scaling back.”
Schools, local libraries and community organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and 4-H have been offering high-quality extracurricular options for generations. Unfortunately, federal funding for these vital programs is being dismantled.
“Knowing that extracurriculars help engage kids in school, it’s critical that Wisconsin provide robust afterschool opportunities, especially when kids are trying to catch up from pandemic learning losses,” said Director Hall. “Sometimes their afterschool activity is the only reason kids want to go to school. Sometimes their community center is the only place kids feel safe and connected to supportive adults. Given the academic and mental health benefits, it would be a mistake to overlook the role these programs play in our children’s lives.”
The fact sheet highlights the mental health and economic benefits of afterschool programming and urges policymakers to bolster the sector by providing a dedicated funding stream.
- See the Fact Sheet for further recommendations.
- See all OCMH Fact Sheets
In a related release, OCMH is showcasing a success story from Rhinelander, home to ArtStart – a locally-driven nonprofit that promotes art integration throughout the community and offers a free afterschool art program. The effort is based on research showing the mental health benefits of participation in the arts.
