Activity for Teenagers: How to Help Your Child Thrive Without Screens
Is your child inactive? Are you wondering how to suggest a beneficial activity for your teenager?
Then read on — your role is CRUCIAL.
According to a study conducted by the French Ministry of Education, family influence plays a major part in how teenagers spend their free time.
(Source – Barhoumi M., Caille J.-P., 2022, “The six ways secondary school pupils spend their free time”, Information Note, no. 22.35, DEPP-INJEP.)
For example, a family with a strong connection to sport will naturally encourage a teenager to engage in physical activity. One that provides access to a well-stocked library will likely foster a habit of reading novels and essays.
And teenagers have a lot of free time — especially during school holidays. Used wisely, this time allows them to flourish during this transitional period. They can discover new passions, develop new skills, and form social connections.
In short, how they manage their free time helps shape their future identity.
In this article, Looking-for-soccer will guide you step-by-step in helping your child get involved in meaningful activities.
How to Manage Your Teenager’s Free Time: A Real Challenge for Parents
How can I make sure my teenager is making good use of their free time?
This question has probably been on your mind a lot, hasn’t it?
Watching them sit for hours, glued to a screen, can be frustrating. At times, it feels like a plane could fly right past them, and they wouldn’t notice.
And yet, there’s no shortage of fun and engaging activities. Their lack of interest may confuse — or even worry — you.
And you’d be right to be concerned.
According to the French government’s health website Santé.fr:
“Sedentary behaviour has negative health impacts that continue into adulthood.”
It even recommends spending less than two hours at a time sitting or lying down — and no more than two hours per day in front of a screen.
(Source: Physical activity for teenagers – Santé.fr – January 2019.)
Indeed, significant risks weigh on your growing child: obesity, bone problems, sleep deprivation…
But here’s a little truth for you: your teenager isn’t to blame. Managing free time properly is anything but easy.
Digital media (social networks, video games, TV series) compete constantly for their attention. These distractions are ever-present and relentless. Your child is bombarded with information — escaping this grip isn’t simple.
According to Sylvain Bethenod, President of marketing research firm Vertigo Research:
“Nearly 40% of the free time of 15-24 year olds is spent either on social media or playing video games.”
(Source: “The French spend more than 60% of their free time in front of a screen,” BFMTV – April 2022.)
And let’s not forget the pressure to succeed academically. It can drive them to isolate themselves just to study, leaving little time for leisure or social interaction.
A Guide to Helping Your Teenager Choose the Right Activity
You want your child to take part in a screen-free, extra-curricular activity?
Then support them.
Start by having an open conversation about their interests.
What do they enjoy in their spare time?
What would they like to try?
What are they passionate about?
Asking open-ended questions will help them explore new horizons: sport, artistic pursuits…
Encourage them to consider health-friendly and social activities — without making the decision for them. This will give them a sense of autonomy, involvement, and independence. All three are key to commitment.
Next, help identify options they can try out.
Is there a club nearby? Are there lessons or taster sessions offered locally?
By promoting hands-on experience, you’re helping them make an informed choice.
Have they found something they love? Brilliant.
Support them and show interest in the activity. Make sure it doesn’t become all-consuming — maintaining balance between hobbies, rest, and responsibilities is essential.
Sport: A Teen Activity With Undeniable Benefits
Among all leisure options, sport is one of the most beneficial — yet still under-practised.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) lays out the figures clearly:
“Over 80% of school-aged teenagers – 85% of girls and 78% of boys – fail to meet the current recommendation of at least one hour of physical activity per day.”
(Source: Study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health)
Santé.fr also recommends that teens aged 12 to 17 take part in at least 1 hour of vigorous physical activity daily.
Just 1 hour a day — that’s all it takes for your teen to gain enormous health benefits.
Muscles and bones grow stronger.
Endurance and balance improve.
Focus and cognitive abilities get a boost.
They learn about teamwork and mutual respect.
They become more responsible and confident decision-makers.
And those risks linked to obesity (low self-esteem, sleep issues, depression…) start to fade.
It’s worth it, wouldn’t you agree?
Football Camps: A Great Option for Teenagers
Is your teenager passionate about football?
Then why not suggest a football camp during the holidays?
Football is a full-body workout. Players need to be fast, enduring, skilful, and well-coordinated — all while keeping control of the ball and scanning for an open teammate.
There are numerous football camps tailored to different levels and expectations of parents and their young children, whether they are passionate about football or wish to discover the sport:
Not sure which football camp might suit you? Discover our selection of the best football camps for your child!!!
Over 90 minutes, mental concentration is constantly tested.
Game awareness and anticipation are crucial to avoid letting the team down.
Football also offers social benefits:
Your child will build confidence, autonomy, and new friendships.
On the pitch, they’ll make individual decisions within a team framework.
They’ll learn accountability, how to share, and how to handle both victory and defeat.
And here’s a little secret: Looking for Soccer offers international football camps too — the perfect opportunity to improve their language skills!
The Importance of Activities for Teenagers
As you’ve seen, engaging in an activity is vital for teenagers.
Family plays a major role in how they spend their free time.
With parental guidance, an inactive child can discover new interests and skills that foster personal growth and shape their identity.
And sport, in particular, brings immense benefits for both health and personal development.