Positive Impacts of Cycling for Children: Children's Mental Health Week 2024

Children’s mental wellbeing is equally important to their physical health. Having a healthy mindset allows children to develop their resilience, relationship building and self-esteem. These are all important areas of self-development that allow children to grow into confident adults with a positive outlook on life.

Children's Mental Health Week with Place 2 Be 

Now that we have established that mental and physical health are equally important for adults and children, we need to keep the conversation going and bring awareness to the potential mental health struggles children may encounter.

Place 2 Be is a charity that provides support and counselling to children in schools across the UK. They first launched Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to raise awareness for children and young people’s mental health. Now it is a yearly event that gets people talking and raises money for a great cause!  

This year we have decided to get involved by supporting Place 2 Be on social media, posting ideas and tips, as well as raising money by participating in their ‘Dress To Express’ fundraiser.  

Maintaining Positive Mental Wellbeing in Children 

One of the most important ways of maintaining or improving a child’s mental wellbeing is physical exercise. This can be anything from walking the dog to playing a football match on the weekend. As avid cycling fans at Bike Club, we encourage children and families to get cycling! So, what are the mental health benefits of cycling?  

Relieving Stress 

Cycling is a great way for children and young people to relieve stress. Not only is it a great distraction from things that may be worrying them, but the physical act of cycling produces a rush of endorphins that contributes to positive mental wellbeing and reduced stress.  

Cycling Improves Confidence 

Cycling can improve a child’s confidence leading to increased self-esteem. By taking part in an activity they enjoy and can do with ease, they become more confident in their abilities and themselves as a whole.  

Building Positive Relationships with Others 

Cycling is a great way to get children socialising, whether this be with family or friends. Cycling as a family is a great way to bond by spending quality time together.

Cycling with friends allows children to improve their communication and relationship building skills with their peers. Forming positive relationships with peers is incredibly important for a child’s mental wellbeing.  

Improves Sleep which Contributes to Positive Mental Wellbeing 

Cycling is a great way for children to burn energy, making them tired for when they go to bed which allows them to have a restful night’s sleep. It is now known that a good sleep pattern is crucial for positive mental wellbeing.  

It’s fun! 

Many children find cycling extremely fun. Taking part in something children find fun will contribute very positively to their mental health.  

If you want to do more activities to improve your child’s mental health, cycling could be a great option for you!  

If you would like to learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week or Place 2 Be visit their website.