The Role of Sports Activities in Developing Social Skills among Adolescents

Abstract

Regular participation in sports activities stands out as an effective educational tool and a dynamic means of enhancing social interaction. This research aimed to identify the role of sports activities in developing social skills (such as cooperation, leadership, communication, adaptation, and emotional regulation) among a sample of middle and high school students. The descriptive approach was employed, and a questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. A simple random sample of 384 male and female middle and high school students was selected. The research yielded the following results:

1- Sports activities play a significant role in developing social skills among adolescents.

2- There are statistically significant differences regarding the role of sports activities in developing social skills among adolescents, attributable to the educational stage variable (middle/high school), favoring the high school stage.

The researcher recommended several measures, the most important of which is:

1- Encouraging students in middle and high school to participate extensively in sports activities, given their effective role in developing social skills among adolescent students. 2- Encouraging middle school students to engage in sports activities, and to work on organized play and acquiring a team spirit.