Boxing for Teens: Why Banning It is Punching Down on Mental Health
Oct 07, 2024
In the world of teen development, finding positive outlets for stress and emotional regulation is crucial. Adolescence is a time when young people face immense pressures—socially, academically, and emotionally. In Geelong, Victoria, we’ve seen first-hand how boxing can be a powerful tool for helping teens manage these stressors. But lately, there’s been talk of banning boxing for kids and teens, citing concerns over aggression and safety. The reality, backed by research, tells a different story. Far from encouraging violence, boxing helps teens channel their emotions in a controlled, constructive way.
The Science of Emotional Regulation
Studies show that physical exercise, particularly sports like boxing, helps regulate emotions by reducing cortisol levels—the hormone linked to stress—and increasing endorphins, which improve mood. For teens dealing with the daily grind of school, friendships, family expectations, and navigating their own identity, having a physical outlet like boxing allows them to burn off steam in a structured environment. It’s not just about throwing punches; it’s about gaining control, both physically and emotionally.
Boxing programs, especially trauma-informed ones like those we run at Geelong Boxing Club, teach self-discipline, respect, and focus. These are invaluable life skills that carry over into all aspects of a teen’s life—from managing conflicts with friends to improving concentration at school.
Why Boxing Shouldn’t Be Banned
Critics who call for boxing to be banned for young people often cite concerns about promoting aggression. However, research consistently shows that boxing does the opposite. It offers an outlet for emotions in a safe, controlled environment, reducing the likelihood of outbursts in other areas of life. In fact, a trauma-informed approach to boxing ensures that teens not only get fit but also learn how to handle stress and emotions healthily.
At Geelong Boxing Club, where half of the ownership team includes Lena Moxon—a former school teacher who completed a graduate certificate in child and adolescent mental health—our programs are designed with an emphasis on holistic development. Lena’s background ensures that we’re not just focusing on physical fitness but also prioritising emotional and mental health, particularly for teens. This unique expertise allows us to deliver programs that cater to the complexities of adolescence, providing a safe and supportive space for teens to thrive.
Boxing as Emotional and Mental Health Support
In our work with Geelong teens, we’ve observed how boxing helps to improve emotional regulation, impulse control, and overall well-being. The repetition of the sport—hitting bags, focusing on footwork, and learning techniques—allows the brain to shift away from stressful thoughts. It provides a break from the intense emotions teens often struggle to manage.
Boxing also supports the development of self-awareness. By focusing on the body and breath, young people can learn mindfulness without it feeling forced or uncomfortable. Instead of traditional meditation, they can find their flow state in movement, which has been shown to lower stress and anxiety in teens.
A Community-Centered Approach
At Geelong Boxing Club, we understand the unique challenges teens face in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Our approach is built on creating a supportive community where teens feel seen, heard, and empowered. We also partner with local schools and youth organisations to ensure that our programs are accessible to as many young people as possible.
We live and raise our family in North Geelong, and we’re passionate about giving back to our community. We’ve had the privilege of working with Geelong City Council and local schools to bring our programs to kids and teens, offering them not just a place to get fit but a space to develop lifelong skills.
Banning boxing for teens would be a disservice to their mental and emotional development. This sport offers a way for young people to release tension, build confidence, and learn essential life skills in a safe, structured environment. For the teens of Geelong, boxing is more than just a sport; it’s a pathway to resilience, emotional regulation, and a healthier future.
