Is your child inactive? Are you wondering how to suggest a positive and meaningful activity for your teenager?
Then keep reading — because your role is CRUCIAL.
In fact, according to a study conducted by the French Ministry of National Education, family influence plays a significant role in how teens spend their free time.
(Source – Barhoumi M., Caille J.-P., 2022, “The Six Ways Middle Schoolers Spend Their Free Time,” Information Note, No. 22.35, DEPP-INJEP.)
For example, a family that values sports will naturally encourage a teen to engage in physical activity. A home filled with books will likely inspire a love for reading novels and essays.
And teenagers have plenty of free time — especially during school breaks. When used wisely, this time helps them grow and develop. It’s an opportunity to discover new interests, build new skills, and form social connections.
In short, how your teen manages their free time will help shape their future identity.
In this article, Looking-for-soccer guides you step-by-step to help your teen find screen-free, fulfilling activities.
Managing Your Teen’s Free Time: A Real Challenge for Parents
How can I make sure my teenager is using their free time wisely?
Sound familiar?
Watching them sit for hours, glued to a screen, can be frustrating. Sometimes it feels like a plane could fly right over them and they wouldn’t even notice.
Yet there are so many fun and enriching things to do. Their lack of interest may confuse — or even worry — you.
And your concern is valid.
According to the official government website Santé.fr:
“Being sedentary has negative effects on health that carry into adulthood.”
It even recommends sitting or lying down for no more than two hours at a time, and spending no more than two hours a day in front of a screen.
(Source: Physical Activity for Teenagers – Santé.fr – January 2019.)
These are serious risks for your growing child: obesity, weak bones, poor sleep…
But here’s the truth: it’s not their fault. Managing free time well is far from easy.
Digital media — social networks, video games, streaming platforms — are built to capture and hold attention. They’re everywhere, all the time, constantly sending notifications and content. Breaking free from that grip is tough.
According to Sylvain Bethenod, president of the marketing research company Vertigo Research:
“Nearly 40% of the free time of 15–24-year-olds is spent either chatting on social media or playing video games.”
(Source: “French people spend over 60% of their free time in front of screens,” BFMTV, April 2022.)
And let’s not forget academic pressure. Teens may isolate themselves just to keep up with schoolwork, leaving less time for fun or social interaction.
Helping Your Teen Choose the Right Activity
Want your child to take part in a screen-free, extracurricular activity?
Start by being involved.
Take the time to talk with them about their interests.
What do they enjoy doing in their free time?
What have they always wanted to try?
What are they passionate about?
Ask open-ended questions that open the door to new experiences: sports, arts, music, crafts…
Encourage them to explore activities that promote health and social interaction — but don’t decide for them. When they feel ownership and independence, they’re more likely to commit fully.
Then, look into what options are available near you.
Are there local clubs or classes? Any trial sessions nearby?
By giving them a chance to try things out, you’re helping them make an informed choice.
Have they found something they love? Awesome.
Support them and show real interest in the activity. Just make sure it stays balanced — their new hobby should fit alongside healthy sleep, family time, schoolwork, and rest.
Sports: A Teen Activity With Real Benefits
Of all the ways teens can spend their time, sports stand out as incredibly beneficial — and unfortunately, underused.
The numbers from the World Health Organization (WHO) speak for themselves:
“More than 80% of school-aged adolescents — 85% of girls and 78% of boys — do not 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 get at least one hour of moderate to intense physical activity per day.
Just one hour. That’s all it takes to make a massive impact on your teen’s well-being.
Their muscles and bones strengthen.
Their balance and endurance improve.
Their focus and cognitive abilities increase.
They learn the value of teamwork and mutual respect.
They become more responsible through decision-making and self-discipline.
And the risks linked to obesity (low self-esteem, poor sleep, depression…) begin to fade away.
Totally worth it, right?
Soccer Camps: A Great Option for Your Teen
Does your teen love soccer ?
Then why not suggest a soccer camp during their school break?
Soccer is a full-body workout. Players need to be fast, strong, agile, and coordinated — all while dribbling, scanning the field, and finding open teammates.
There are numerous soccer camps tailored to different levels and expectations of parents and their young children, whether they are passionate about soccer or wish to discover the sport:
Not sure which soccer camp might suit you? Discover our selection of the best soccer camps for your child!!!
Over 90 minutes, concentration is constantly tested.
Game sense and anticipation are crucial to avoid hurting the team.
Soccer also builds life skills:
Your child will grow in confidence, independence, and teamwork.
On the pitch, they’ll make individual choices within a group dynamic.
They’ll learn to take responsibility, share, and handle both wins and losses with maturity.
And here’s a little secret: Looking for Soccer even offers international soccer camps — the perfect combo of physical activity and language immersion.
Why Activities Are So Important for Teen ?
As you’ve seen, engaging in meaningful activities is essential for your teenager.
Family plays a major role in shaping how teens spend their free time.
With your support, even an inactive child can discover passions, build skills, and grow socially and emotionally.
And sports, in particular, offer tremendous benefits for physical health and personal development.