How Sports Can Help Prevent Violent Extremism among Youths

Due to the rise in cases worldwide, many nations have adopted serious measures, including the declaration of zero-tolerance policies to deal with the menace.

Violent extremism is a phenomenon that glorifies and promotes actions where individuals are punished for their religious and political beliefs.

Unfortunately, the main target population is the youth who are exposed to forced displacement, hate, discrimination, trauma, and social exclusion. One of the measures to curb violent extremism is through sporting activities.

Promoting Positive Values through Sport

Sports events provide a platform where young people interact positively and build their sense of belonging. It also improves their mental health state and grows their community ties.

On the other hand, aspects of violent extremism, including harsh treatment and discrimination, will isolate them.

The sporting environment also involves betting and gambling activities that occupy youths. While excessive gambling is dangerous, it is fulfilling when you do it responsibly.

It is full of fun, and you can receive various

offers to boost your experience. Through sports, youths can learn positive values through organized activities. They become resilient and appreciate equality by acknowledging diversity.

Youths experience fairness and integrity during sports and can learn to respect others, resolve conflicts and cooperate with other teammates through sports.

Being involved in sports makes you a better human being who is responsible and honest even outside of sports activities. When young people grow their resilience, it is difficult for them to succumb to violent extremist tendencies.

How to Prevent Violent Extremism through Sports

Many organizations are now using sports to implement peace and development programs. They have identified youth vulnerability and are using it to build their skills and enhance their moral values through sport.

These organizations generate programs from physical activities and sports to promote community ties through social cohesion, health, and peace.

There is no doubt that inclusion will eliminate discrimination and build a safe environment devoid of stress. In Pakistan, there is a welfare organization known as Kafka.

It uses team-based sports to enhance peace among youths. The Swat Youth Front is another organization that promotes peace among war survivors through cricket, soccer, and volleyball.

Sports do not only

from being recruited into violent extremist networks. You can also use it to re-integrate radicalized or forcefully displaced people back into the community.

Another important role of sports is to help deal with mental health issues and exposure to trauma. Through sports, young people engage in physical activities that build positive mental and spiritual health.

Sporting events are full of fun, and they help reduce anxiety and stress. Lastly, youths who engage in team sports will likely make friends and strengthen their social networks.

As you bond with your teammates, you also build your support system. This then creates a sense of belonging which is often lacking among youths that decide to join extremist groups.

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