Puberty is a natural and important stage of life — but that doesn’t make it easy. Alongside the physical and emotional changes, this period often coincides with a noticeable drop in physical activity, particularly for girls. Many begin to disengage from sport and movement by the end of puberty, despite this being one of the most powerful tools for supporting both physical and mental health.
It’s important to remember that there is no single “right” way to go through puberty. Bodies develop at different rates, and experiences vary widely. Recognising this can help reduce pressure and comparison, making the transition feel more manageable.
Movement plays a vital role during puberty, not just for physical development but for mental wellbeing. Regular activity can help regulate mood, reduce anxiety, improve confidence, and support better sleep, all things that can feel disrupted during this stage. However, many girls drop out of sport due to factors such as body image concerns, shifting priorities, or a lack of inclusive and supportive environments.
This makes it even more important to actively encourage girls to stay engaged in movement in ways that feel enjoyable and accessible: whether that’s team sports, walking, dance, strength training, or simply being active with friends. The focus should be on feeling good, building confidence, and maintaining a positive relationship with movement, rather than performance alone.
Supporting young people through puberty also means acknowledging that this stage can feel confusing, unpredictable, and sometimes overwhelming. Creating space for open conversations, alongside encouraging movement, good nutrition and rest, helps build resilience. When we shift the narrative away from puberty being something to “get through” or “fix,” and instead view it as a phase that can be supported with care, it empowers young people — especially girls — to stay connected to sport and physical activity. This not only benefits their health now but also sets the foundation for lifelong wellbeing.
Further information and resources:
- NHS Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Young People – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-and-young-people/
- Women in Sport (research on girls dropping out of sport) – https://www.womeninsport.org/
- Youth Sport Trust – https://www.youthsporttrust.org/
- YoungMinds (mental health support for young people) – https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
