With children becoming the primary focus of society, ways and means to ensure their safety and development are being researched. The Government too has pooled in to make a success of such programs. Here are some of the reasons why after school programs have become so popular:
- Preventing Juvenile Delinquency, crime and violent victimization: About 10% of juvenile crimes happen between 3 P.M. - 4 P.M. Children need to be kept safe and out of trouble at such times
- Preventing alcohol, drug and tobacco use. Risk-taking behavior that seeks to establish superiority in a clan is mostly seen in 'latchkey' children. Children in their pre-teens, if they have a meaningful relationship with a mentor, are less likely to indulge in these kinds of destructive behavior
- Decreases appetite for Television: An average child watches about19 to 23 hours of TV per week. When enrolled for some activity, the child utilizes his mental and physical skills to meet challenges.
- Improving academic achievements.
- Improving school attendance: More confidence in self and increased interest in school leads to greater attendance in school. A program that helps children with their homework also gives the child a much-needed feeling of self-achievement.
- Improved behavior and inter-personal skills. Children who attend after school activities handle conflict better and cooperate more with authority figures.
- Closer family and community ties.
Greg
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