The Effect of Sports on Children’s Internet Addiction, Optimism and Communication Skills


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Sarı S., Karagün E.

International Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology, vol.9, no.11, pp.157-166, 2020 (Peer-Reviewed Journal) identifier

Abstract

Sports activities organized by the municipalities are considered important for the efficient evaluation of the leisure time of the children. However, when the literature is examined, the results of these sports activities organized for children; it seems that there is no study evaluating internet addiction, communication skills and sense of optimism. The purpose is to examine the effect of leisure time sports organized by the Municipalities on the internet addiction, optimism and communication skills of children aged 10-12. In line with this purpose, after the ethics committee and Municipalities permissions, 10-12 years old children and their parents were informed about the research. Information survey, internet addiction, optimism and communication skills scales were applied to those who received approval from their families and wanted to participate in the research voluntarily. Then, 12-week sports exercises were carried out. At the end of 12 weeks, the same scales were reapplied. When the data were analyzed, It was determined that 12- week sport was effective in improving internet addiction symptoms and increasing the sense of optimism and communication skills. Symptoms of internet addiction who especially who have not become chronic, sports activities are considered important for the emotional recovery in individuals who have a feeling of pessimism and who have difficulties in communicating. In this regard, it is thought that sporting leisure time activities should be planned and implemented in schools. As a result, in order to reduce internet addiction, improve communication skills and increase the sense of optimism, it was found important to encourage children to sports and increase sports activities.