Having a best friend keeps kids active, study reveals

By Staff Writer

A new study in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise reveals that children who have a best friend can improve their levels of physical activity and overall health.

The report, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol, is based on data that examined the behaviors of 986 children between 10 and 11 years old. Nearly half of the kids provided information about their physical activities and their friendships.

The team found that boys and girls who had best friends engaged in more physical activity than those who did not. A cardiac nurse from the British Heart Foundation said that these findings prove the strength of buddy power. Young kids who become close with someone close to their age are likely to motivate each other to stay active and participate in heart-healthy activities, such as athletics and other outdoor games.

Children who do not forge these close relationships may be more likely to isolate and avoid activities as they progress through adolescence. Kids who suffer from social disorders may benefit from attending boarding schools, which aim to help troubled teens gain confidence.