Football, particularly American football, is one of the most popular sports in the United States and enjoys a substantial following worldwide. The cultural significance of football is reflected by the monstrous turn-up rate at its events, the prominence of Super Bowl Sunday, and its identity in the Western world. However, the debate over whether watching football is too dangerous for children has garnered increasing attention. This essay addresses the psychological, sociological, and physical implementations of children consuming football content, considering the pros and cons of this “well-known” sport. Regardless, football is indeed a healthy pass-time for the bold-hearted as compared to the sedentary modern lifestyle of the average human being but should still be closely monitored due to its highly aggressive nature and gameplay.
Watching football can have both positive and negative psychological effects on children. On the positive side, football can teach valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and strategy. Kids may develop a sense of belonging and identity by supporting their favourite teams and players, fostering social bonds with peers and family members (Proctor, 2016). Conversely, the aggressive nature of football can have detrimental effects. The sport often glorifies physical violence and aggressive behaviour, which may lead some children to normalise or emulate these actions. Research has shown that exposure to violent media can increase aggressive thoughts and behaviours in children (Lee, 2018). Additionally, as Lee B. Y. in the article entitled “Do Not Let Kids Play Tackle Football Until They Are 14” states, “Some aspects of football culture, such as excessive competitiveness, aggression, and the idolization of players involved in off-field scandals, can negatively influence children’s behaviour and values. The focus on winning at all costs and the celebration of aggressive behaviour can skew children’s perceptions of acceptable conduct” (Lee, 2018). The consequences of this abnormality in behavioural state may affect more generations to come and cause more harm than good. The unhealthy dose of aggravated hormones is neither good for the child himself nor those around him/her that bear the brunt of the child’s unconducive behaviour.
From a sociological perspective, football plays a significant role in shaping cultural norms and values. The sport’s visibility in media and society can reinforce traditional gender roles, often “emphasising masculinity through the lens of toughness and resilience” (Nabaum & Gregory, 2020). This portrayal can limit the scope of acceptable behaviours for both boys and girls, potentially perpetuating stereotypes.
While the act of watching football is not physically dangerous in itself, the sport’s depiction of physicality and injury can influence children’s attitudes towards their own physical health. Football is a high-contact sport with a significant risk of injury, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) (Benefits of Sports for Adolescents, n.d.). Repeated exposure to these injuries on screen can desensitise children to the severity of these risks. This is akin to children being exposed to violent video games that may mislead their perspective of the world. Children may end up taking warnings and safety measures with a pinch of salt, perceiving dangers as a normal part of play.
Furthermore, there is a concern that watching football may encourage children to participate in the sport, potentially exposing them to physical harm. Youth football has been scrutinised for its safety protocols and the long-term health implications for young athletes. This is reiterated in the article by Proctor M., “Is football safe for kids”, that “Regular exposure to such violence might desensitise children to aggression and lead them to view violence as an acceptable way to resolve conflicts” (Proctor, 2016). The prevalence of injuries at the professional level can trickle down, affecting the perception of safety in youth leagues. This is in disregard of the varying difference in intensity level when playing at different levels. While professional players are competing tooth and nail for prestigious awards, youth leagues are a form of week-end entertainment for children and hence, less likely to lead to grievous injuries.
The question of whether watching football is too dangerous for kids is multifaceted, involving psychological, sociological, and physical dimensions. While football can offer positive lessons and foster social bonds, the potential risks associated with exposure to violence, commercialization, and physical injury cannot be ignored. It is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers to actively engage in guiding children’s sports consumption to ensure a balanced and healthy relationship with the sport. By fostering critical thinking and promoting safety, it is possible to enjoy the cultural and social benefits of football while minimising its potential dangers.
References
Benefits of Sports for Adolescents. (n.d.). MU Health Care. Retrieved June 15, 2024, from https://www.muhealth.org/conditions-treatments/pediatrics/adolescent-medicine/benefits-of-sports
Brown, N. (2024, March 21). Should Parents Let Their Child Play Football? Weighing the Pros and Cons. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Retrieved June 15, 2024, from https://www.chop.edu/news/should-parents-let-their-child-play-football-weighing-pros-and-cons
Lee, B. Y. (2018, September 25). Do Not Let Kids Play Tackle Football Until They Are 14, Aspen Suggests. Forbes. Retrieved June 15, 2024, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2018/09/25/do-not-let-kids-play-tackle-football-until-they-are-14-aspen-suggests/
Nabaum, A., & Gregory, S. (2020, January 23). Is It Unethical to Watch Football With Your Kids? Time. Retrieved June 15, 2024, from https://time.com/5770136/football-dangers-children/
Proctor, M. (2016, February 5). Is football safe for kids? Harvard Health. Retrieved June 15, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-football-safe-for-kids-201602059148
