The Hidden Power of School Connectedness in Reducing Substance Use Among Adolescents
In the realm of adolescent development, understanding the factors that influence substance use is critical. A recent study titled "Physical Activity and Substance Use Among Canadian Adolescents: Examining the Moderating Role of School Connectedness" sheds light on the intricate relationship between physical activity, substance use, and the pivotal role of school connectedness.
Key Findings from the Study
Conducted by Fagan et al. (2022), this study utilized data from the COMPASS study, analyzing responses from 73,672 Canadian adolescents. The research explored how different types of physical activity and school connectedness interact to influence substance use behaviors such as smoking, e-cigarette use, cannabis use, and binge drinking.
- Non-competitive School Sports: Participation in non-competitive school sports was associated with reduced odds of cannabis use for both genders and reduced odds of e-cigarette use for females.
- Competitive School Sports: While reducing cigarette smoking, competitive sports increased the odds of e-cigarette use and binge drinking.
- Outside of School Sports: These sports lessened cigarette and cannabis use but increased e-cigarette use and binge drinking.
- School Connectedness: High levels of school connectedness moderated the risk of e-cigarette use among males participating in outside-of-school sports.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of fostering a strong sense of school connectedness to mitigate substance use risks. Here are some actionable insights:
- Promote Non-competitive Sports: Encourage participation in non-competitive sports as they appear to offer protective benefits against substance use.
- Enhance School Connectedness: Develop programs that strengthen students' connection to their school, as this can moderate the negative impacts of substance use.
- Tailor Interventions by Gender: Recognize that the impact of sports and connectedness can vary by gender, and customize interventions accordingly.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Understanding the nuances of how different sports and levels of school connectedness interact with substance use can guide more effective interventions.
For those interested in delving deeper into this topic, I encourage you to read the full research paper: Physical activity and substance use among Canadian adolescents: Examining the moderating role of school connectedness.
