Teenagers who participate in hobbies, such as sport or music, are less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as drinking or drug taking.
The study revealed differences in behaviour along gender lines, with participation in arts reducing weekly drinking among males and marijuana use among females; whereas participation in non-organised sports reduces regular smoking and marijuana use among males only.
The findings have potential to influence school funding decisions where extracurricular activities are among the first candidates to go in times of budget constraints.
Read more at The University of Melbourne