PENNSYLVANIA – University of Pennsylvania researchers report that students who participate in high school sports or individual physical activities are less likely to smoke than their classmates.

However, girls do not derive the same level of protection from school activities as boys. An adolescent’s self-assessment and sense of physical competence was an important aspect in smoking prevention. Students who feel successful continue to participate and are less likely to start negative behaviours.

The researchers recommend that parents make an effort to get their children involved in organized activities - whether in a sport, like track and field, or another organized activity, like the chess team. Both boys and girls need to feel good about their skills even if they are not the best.

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