With a new school year comes the opportunity to turn our attention to the youth in our communities.
One of the challenges facing teenagers in your community and everywhere is how to function effectively in a digital world. As the attached op-ed piece points out, a majority of teens spend about nine hours a day with a smartphone in their hands. And the result is not incidental: loneliness, anxiety and teenage obesity are more prevalent than ever before.
There is a solution, and it’s participating in high school sports and activities. High school sports are instrumental in helping teenagers establish nutritional and exercise habits that not only build stronger bodies, but also stronger character and a greater sense of self-esteem. High school sports are also essential to establishing and maintaining meaningful personal relationships. To quote the op-ed, “an online chat is no substitute for working toward a common goal face-to-face, side-by-side, for weeks on end with teammates.”
We hope you will give serious consideration to publishing the attached op-ed. It includes a message that will benefit every family in your area and help make communities throughout our state stronger.
Featured Picture: Bernard Childress, Executive Director Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association