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Eine Gruppe von Kindern läuft fröhlich über eine grüne Wiese im Sonnenlicht. Die Bäume im Hintergrund sind in sanftem Licht beleuchtet, während die Kinder in lockerer Kleidung und kurzen Hosen unterwegs sind.

[Translate to Englisch:] Quelle: stock.adobe.com/RONNY

Growing Up Healthy

Sports provide important foundations for healthy development. The dsj promotes physical activity, prevention, and the well-being of young people
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Physical activity is a key component of growing up healthily. It affects both physical and mental health and is much more than just physical exercise.

Targeted promotion of physical activity is active health promotion!

Numerous scientific studies show that regular physical activity not only promotes motor and physical development but also has positive effects on cognitive, sensory, emotional, and social development. Children and adolescents who get enough physical activity are less susceptible to many illnesses—keyword: prevention—have higher cognitive performance, andperformance and develop important skills in relating to themselves and others.

 

Infografik über die Bedeutung von Bewegung für Kinder. Sie zeigt, wie Bewegung verschiedene Entwicklungsbereiche unterstützt: motorische, soziale, körperliche, emotionale, kognitive und kreative Entwicklung. In der Mitte steht "Bewegung unterstützt", umgeben von Symbolen, die die verschiedenen Bereiche darstellen.
Quelle: dsj/Aaron Jordan

The Joy of Movement—From the Very Beginning, for a Lifetime!

Eine Gruppe von Kindern rennt fröhlich auf einer Straße. Ein Mädchen in einem orangefarbenen T-Shirt lacht, während sie in der Mitte der Gruppe ist. Die anderen Kinder, in verschiedenen T-Shirts, zeigen ebenfalls Freude und Begeisterung beim Spielen.
Quelle: stock.adobe.com/Anderson Piza

In addition to everyday physical activity and active leisure time with the family, participating in sports with peers—for example, in a sports club, but also at daycare and school—provides valuable opportunities for learning. Close interaction with other children strengthens social skills, promotes emotional development, and supports language skills. Physical activity thus lays an important foundation for participation, self-confidence, and well-being.

In addition to sufficient physical activity, a healthy upbringing also includes a balanced diet and periods of relaxation and rest. With this in mind, the German Sports Youth (dsj) recommends that children’s natural urge to move should generally not be restricted and that they should be encouraged to be even more active in their daily lives through a variety of incentives. After all, physical activity is an indispensable key to the holistic development of children and adolescents.

The Federal Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ) also views physical activity as a fundamental component of healthy development. The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), together with the BVKJ and the dsj, has therefore launched the “Prescription for Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents,” which supports pediatricians in providing exercise guidance.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Adolescents

How much physical activity do children and adolescents need to grow up healthy? The national guidelines provide guidance.

Mental Health

Physical activity, play, and sports not only strengthen the physical health of children and adolescents but also their mental health. Sports for children and adolescents provide important opportunities for community, safety, and personal development.

Healthy Eating

A healthy, balanced diet is a key component of healthy growth. When children and adolescents participate in sports, it is important to ensure they receive nutrition tailored to their needs and drink enough fluids.

Relaxation

In addition to exercise and nutrition, relaxation is the third major component of healthy growth.

Healthy Sports Club

In addition to everyday physical activity, children and adolescents also need times when they can really let off steam. Sports clubs offer age-appropriate activities designed to support their development, all while having lots of fun together.

Exercise in the Sun and Heat

Outdoor exercise is healthy and important, but intense UV radiation can pose risks to the skin, the immune system, and physical performance—which is why adequate sun protection and proper heat management are essential.

Children and Adolescents with Chronic Illnesses

Physical activity and sports are especially important for children with chronic illnesses, as they help them develop their physical abilities and experience a sense of community.