Out-of-School Time Matters: Activity Involvement and Positive Development among Coos County Youth
How youth spend their free time may facilitate positive development and growth experiences or place them at risk for negative outcomes. But despite concerns about rural school dropout, unemployment and poverty, research on free time activities among youth has so far focused mainly on those who live in urban or suburban settings.
The research brief analyzes survey data regarding self-reported free time use among youth in Coos County, New Hampshire, a rural county where residents have faced increased poverty and unemployment, coupled with heightened concerns about the long-term availability of opportunities for youth. The results indicate that the youth who are most involved in activities during their out-of-school time report higher grades, a more positive attitude towards school, a stronger sense of belonging at school and more positive expectations for the future than both their moderately and least involved peers.
The brief recommends policies and programs that seek to increase the number of constructive activities available to youth in Coos County. It suggests efforts to reduce potential barriers to participation, such as transportation and cost, and communicate the value of out-of-school activity participation to community officials, parents and youth.
The brief is part of an ongoing survey of Coos County youth by the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire.
