Research on Physical Activity and Mental Health in Kids and Teens

We already know that physical activity is beneficial for the body. In this new study, however, the researchers wanted to see if it can also help with stress, self-esteem, and social skills. To do this, they reviewed thousands of studies and chose 30 that compared kids who did exercise programs with kids who did not.

The results showed that exercise made a positive difference. Children and teens who took part in physical activity programs reported lower stress and better social skills. Exercise also helped improve feelings of self-worth and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The benefits were especially strong for boys and for students in secondary school.

The researchers also found that not all programs worked the same way. How often kids exercised and where they lived played a role in the results. This means that some exercise plans may be more helpful than others, depending on the setting.

Understanding the Research

The goal of this study was to find out if physical activity can improve the mental health of children and teenagers who are otherwise healthy. The researchers looked at large research databases and studies published between 2000 and 2024.

Out of more than 27,000 articles, they chose 30 that met their rules. These studies all compared children and teens who joined exercise programs with others who did not. The programs included sports, fitness training, and physical education classes.

The researchers carefully checked the quality of each study and combined the results using a method called meta-analysis. This helped them see the impact of exercise on mental health. Moreover, they considered the differences between groups, like boys versus girls, younger kids versus teens, and the type or length of exercise program.

Their analysis revealed several key findings:

• Children and teens who exercised regularly had lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who were less active.
• Those who got 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day showed stronger benefits for their mental health than kids who were active for shorter times.
• Self-esteem and confidence were higher in children who played sports or took part in active games outside of school.
• Older kids and teens sometimes got more mental health benefits from activity than younger children. This may be because teens face more stress, so exercise helps them more.
• Not every child benefits equally. The study suggested that personality, home life, or social support may change how much a child’s mental health improves with exercise.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Here are some tips to put these research results into action:

Encourage daily movement

According to the CDC, children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years should be active for at least 60 minutes every day. This can include sports, biking, dancing, or even just running around outside.

Parents can make the activity fun by joining in. Also, creating a routine, like setting aside time after school or before dinner, helps kids know when to expect active play.

Go outdoors

Spending time in nature while being active (such as hiking, playing at the park, or riding bikes) can lower stress even more than indoor activity. This also creates meaningful bonding moments and helps strengthen family relationships.

Model healthy habits

Kids are more likely to be active if they see parents or caregivers exercising too. This doesn’t mean you need to run marathons—something as simple as stretching together, going for a walk after dinner, or dancing in the living room can make a difference.

You can also have simple conversations, like sharing how a walk helped clear your mind or how you feel stronger after exercising!

The researchers are also saying that future studies should track and report how faithfully children follow the activity programs.

Download our Healthy Habits Posters for kids and teens to discover more ways to boost both their body and mind.