Potentials of after school programs




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:





1) 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



2) 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



3) Decreases appetite for Television:



An average child watches about 23 hours of TV per week. When enrolled for



some activity, the child utilizes his mental and physical skills to meet



challenges.



4) Improving academic achievements



5) 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.



6) Improved behavior and inter-personal skills



Children who attend after school activities handle conflict better and



cooperate more with authority figures.



7) Closer family and community ties.


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