Why Activities are Vital for Low-Income Youth

Low-income youth are more likely to experience mental health challenges because they have less access to healthy activities that promote mental well-being. Hobbies and extracurricular activities are essential in helping kids avoid destructive situations by providing them with positive outlets to deal with their emotions by keeping them engaged in constructive activities.

Participating in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, or art, can give youth a sense of purpose and belonging. These activities also combat mental instability, which children in poverty are usually more prone to. These activities expose them to positive role models and mentorship, providing personal growth and development opportunities.

However, low-income youth need more financial resources to participate in these activities. For example, they may need help to afford the fees associated with joining a sports team or the cost of instruments or art supplies. They may also need access to transportation to get to practices or games, which can limit their ability to participate.

The lack of access to extracurricular activities can exacerbate the mental health challenges that low-income youth already face. It can contribute to feelings of isolation, low self-worth, and hopelessness, increasing their risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Hobbies and extracurricular activities keep kids more occupied and engaged in structured activities, reducing their free time and instilling positive values. When kids are busy with activities they enjoy, they are less likely to seek out harmful activities.

Efforts must be made to provide low-income youth with access to extracurricular activities through scholarships, subsidies, or other forms of support. Providing youth with the opportunities to pursue their interests can help mitigate poverty's impact on their mental health and provide them with the possibilities they need to thrive. Providing such opportunities to low-income youth can increase their social and emotional skills, benefiting their teamwork and leadership expertise.

With Generation Motivation, our main goal is to support low-income youth with their pursuit of their activities.

Written by Sean Clairine

Approved by Jake Gillis & Matthew Battista

Sources:

https://www.reframenc.com/blog/why-hobbies-may-help-kids-avoid-dangerous-situations