Sports activities of pupils in the function of preventing aggressive behavior

Abstract

For primary school age pupils, it is characteristic to show passive, verbal and indirect aggression through behavior that can be active and passive-aggressive behavior. Stealing and lying are also present as forms of a hidden form of aggressiveness. The frequency of aggressive behavior usually decreases by the period of adolescence. Previous research indicates that situations in which aggressive behavior still occurs are less frequent among pupils who practice sports activities. Although there are opposing views, it is considered that regular participation in sports, especially in its aggressive forms, enables the discharge of negative energy in a socially acceptable way, so a person who practice this type of sport later becomes less aggressive in other, non-sports situations in everyday life. The implementation of sports in schools, such as judo and karate, gave positive results in reducing the aggressive behavior of pupils, because practicing these sports also includes learning ethical principles such as respect for the opponent and fair play, respect for one's own body and the body of the opponent, prohibition of dangerous techniques and preservation of health and the well-being of all practitioners as the highest values. This paper indicates the importance of implementation of such programs in elementary schools in the world and in our country.