Written By: Tyler Prochnow, PhD; Jamie M. Faro, PhD; Kevin L. Lanza, PhD; M. Renée Umstattd Meyer, PhD, MCHES, FAAHB; Denver Brown, PhD; Rebecca E. Lee, PhD, FSBM – Physical Activity Special Interest Group
In a time where youth are increasingly experiencing social isolation and disconnection, understanding how social connections influence physical activity is more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the rise of digital technologies, has dramatically altered how youth interact socially and engage in physical activity.
Recent research is providing critical insights into the relationship between social relationships and physical activity, particularly during periods of greater social isolation and disconnection, such as extended out-of-school summer months. As we navigate a world where traditional social structures are evolving, these findings offer vital perspectives for parents, educators, and community leaders striving to promote healthier, more active lifestyles among young people.
By deepening our understanding of social influences on youth physical activity, we can develop more focused and effective strategies to overcome the growing challenges of childhood social disconnection, inactivity, and insufficient physical activity.
The Effect of Friend Groups on Exercise
Our research shows that friends whom children hang out with may have an important influence on how active they are. We’ve consistently found that children tend to befriend others with similar physical activity levels. This phenomenon, known as homophily or “birds of a feather flock together,” means that friendships can reinforce both active and sedentary behaviors through aspects of social norms.
However, it’s not just about choosing friends with similar habits. Studies have also observed that children’s activity levels tend to become more similar to those of their friends over time. This suggests that friendships don’t just reflect shared interests but can shape future behavior as well.
Popularity and Physical Activity
Interestingly, in some settings, being physically active has been associated with greater popularity. Kids who reported higher levels of physical activity were more likely to receive friendship nominations from their peers. This creates a potential virtuous cycle, where being active leads to more friendships, which in turn encourages more activity.
The Summer Slump
Social connections become especially important during the summer months. Many children experience a decline in physical activity when school is out, partly due to a lack of structure and organized opportunities for exercise, sports, and extracurricular activities offered during school hours (e.g., physical education) or through out-of-school time programs. However, our work in summer care programs has shown that these environments can address this slump by providing a valuable setting for both social connections and physical activity.
In our summer care program studies, we’ve found that friendships formed and evolved over the course of the summer, with physical activity playing a role in these social dynamics. This suggests that such programs can be leveraged not just for direct physical activity promotion, but also to foster friendships that support active lifestyles.
Why is Social Connection Important?
While our research focuses on physical activity, it’s important to note that social connections have far-reaching health implications. The 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s report on loneliness and isolation highlights social connection as a critical public health issue, emphasizing that the structure, function, and quality of social bonds contribute to better physical and mental health, improved cognitive function, and even longer lifespans.
For youth, we’ve observed that social connections can provide emotional support, improve self-esteem, and create a sense of belonging – all of which contribute to overall well-being and can support physical activity and other health promoting behaviors.
Putting Social Connection Into Practice
Based on these findings, here are some evidence-based suggestions for leveraging social connections to promote exercise among young people:
- Encourage group activities: Provide opportunities for children to be active with friends through organized sports, playground meetups, or games that integrate physical movement.
- Foster diverse friendships: Help children connect with peers who have various interests and physical activity levels to expand their horizons and expose them to new forms of physical activity.
- Support summer programs: Advocate for and participate in summer care programs that provide structured opportunities for both social interaction and physical activity.
- Create supportive environments: Work with schools, community centers, and local government to ensure there are safe, accessible spaces for kids to be physically active together.
- Consider social aspects in programming: When designing programs to promote physical activity, include elements that leverage peer influence and social dynamics.
By recognizing the powerful influence of social connections on physical activity, we should take a more holistic approach to promoting healthy lifestyles among youth. It’s not just about telling kids to go out and play – it’s about creating social environments that make active living natural, enjoyable, and sustainable.
As research in this field continues, it’s clear that when it comes to exercise, social connections play a crucial role. By nurturing social connections, we can set the stage for healthier, more physically active generations to come.
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