Extracurricular activities like clubs and sports are very important and should be required by the school to ensure that all of their students are staying connected with the schools provided activities. 

As someone who participates in multiple extracurricular activities,I don’t regret doing any of them. In fact, I highly recommend them. Not only is it something that you can enjoy and look forward to participating in after school, but it is a great way to meet new people. According to Crimson Education, “making friends can be challenging, but one of the easiest ways is through extracurricular activities.”

With the school making extracurricular activities a requirement, students will be able to connect with other people. Simply having the school require these activities would ensure the social abilities and involvement of every student. 

If every student was to participate, the school could organize more clubs or sports that students are looking to participate in, and quickly set them up with the encouragement of a few other students. Nobody would be left empty-handed because every possible interest would be provided.

These activities also encourage good attendance. Students would be more motivated to get to school on time and make sure that they are not late if they were involved in an extracurricular activity.

 Lastly, participating in extracurricular activities can provide positive information on your record, which can help you get into a better college and get a good job in the future. Colleges will see this information and be aware that you are an active student.

According to Neumann, “striking a healthy balance between activities in and out of the classroom will make you a more well-rounded individual, will help you succeed in the classroom, and will give you a competitive edge when applying to college.”

Extracurriculars should not be required. Although such activities can help students stay active and social, sometimes it doesn’t work for everyone. 

Some students  have jobs after school that they need to support themselves or maybe help support their families. Some people might need to take care of siblings or other members of their household.  Others may have medical reasons they can’t participate. 

Additionally, extracurriculars are a significant time and often financial commitment.  There is not always a need to do something 24/7. Some people’s life schedules do not have that flexibility. Extracurriculars are also financially costly; some families don’t have the funds for that. 

If the school were to make extracurriculars mandatory, I think there would be many problems, with things like getting rides or not having the time. It would also affect the way some students perform academically. 

Patrick Buckley is a lecturer in Information Management at the University of Limerick. His research includes active learning, lifelong learning, and the pedagogical use of technology. 

Paul Lee from the University of Limerick is Head of Student Engagement. He is responsible for the management and development of student clubs and societies, from  Sage journalism said that “[extracurriculars] can lead to negative effects at both the individual (alienation, lack of motivation, lack of social engagement) and institutional level (high drop-out rates).”

Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a licensed clinical psychologist for kids and teens at CHOC in Orange County, California, said, “keeping your kids so busy outside of school that they lack free time for play or rest can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.”

In most schools, just about half of students participate in extracurricular activities, but for those who don’t, there is a reason why, and that choice must be respected.