There’s good news for kids who clean up parks or help serve food in shelters. A recent study of more than 50,000 kids found that those who did community service were more likely to be in excellent health than non-volunteers.
“Kids who volunteer are helping the world while also improving their own well-being,” says Kevin Lanza. He led the study and is an assistant professor at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
Despite the benefits, Lanza thinks kids shouldn’t be forced to volunteer, though they should be encouraged. Others agree. They point out that to volunteer means to do something by choice. Plus, they say, many kids already have schedules packed with homework and activities.
But many people say requiring kids to volunteer teaches them about responsibility and may inspire them to try new things. In some states, including Arkansas and Maryland, high school students must complete a certain number of community service hours before they can graduate.