Exercise Eases Mental Health Struggles in Children, Teens

Exercise Eases Mental Health Struggles in Children, Teens
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A new large-scale study from the University of South Australia reveals that regular exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in children and teenagers, Earth.com revealed. Analyzing 375 clinical trials with over 38,000 participants aged 5 to 18, researchers found structured exercise programs offer clear mental health benefits.

Dr. Ben Singh, lead researcher, emphasized that depression and anxiety are common among youth worldwide and that current treatments like therapy and antidepressants often fail or are inaccessible for many families. Exercise provides a safe, affordable alternative that can be done at school, home, or in the community.

The study highlights that moderate-intensity exercise combining aerobic and resistance training is most effective for depression, while low-intensity resistance training helps reduce anxiety. Teenagers and children with ADHD or clinical depression showed the greatest improvements.

Professor Carol Maher, co-author, advises parents and schools to encourage simple physical activities such as sports, walking, or play-based exercises. Even short, consistent movement can significantly improve children’s mental well-being within weeks, complementing traditional treatments rather than replacing them.