Here is a talk from the recent Aguda convention about addictions in our children. At about the 17 minute mark he says that one major solution is playing sports. He has never met a kid who played ball and had addictions. You can listen.
I am in favor of letting and encouraging kids to play ball. It is healthy for body and soul. No question.
But as a solution to addictions? There is a tremendously high percentage of athletes [high school, college and professional] who are addicts. Even in yeshiva high schools there are plenty of kids who play ball and also have addictions [drugs, alcohol, internet].
But the topic is an important one. Lots of addicted people around. We have to think of ways to help them.
