The fun factor: Adolescents’ self‐regulated leisure activity and the implications for practitioners and researchers

Abstract

There is mounting interest in Canadian society regarding the leisure activities of children and youth and the ensuing positive or negative effects. Complex influential factors on adolescent self‐regulated time coupled with increasing levels of sedentary activity have provoked a societal dilemma. Consequently, it is essential to determine the motivating factors in adolescents’ leisure choices in order to fully address the societal dilemmas involving youth inactivity. Understanding perceptions of “fun” by children and youth in relation to their leisure time formed the basis for this inquiry. Theoretically grounded in self‐determination theory, this study focused on fun‐provoking favourite activities among Grade 6 through Grade 8 students (n=220) at 13 schools across Ontario through surveys and interviews, as part of a larger study on children's media consumption. Also, the adolescents’ media consumption and physical activity patterns were examined in order to assess their leisure habits and gain insights into positive and effective programming for youth. The discussion includes dominant themes of “fun” in the adolescents’ lives. Implications for the development of a critical pedagogy are offered for researchers and practitioners in leisure education and physical education.