With children becoming the original focus of set, ways and means to ensure their safety and development are as researched. The Government too has pooled in to make a success of such programs. Here are some of the reasons why after school programs have become so popular:
1 ) Preventing Juvenile Delinquency, crime and violent victimization: About 10 % of juvenile crimes happen between 3 P. M. – 4 P. M. Children need to be kept safe and out of trouble at such times
2 ) Preventing alcohol, drug and tobacco use. Risk – taking behavior that seeks to establish superiority in a crowd is mostly seen reputation ‘latchkey’ children. Children in their pre – teens, if they have a meaningful relationship with a mentor, are less likely to indulge in these kinds of pernicious behavior
3 ) Decreases hunger for Television: An average child watches about 23 hours of TV per week. When enrolled for some activity, the child utilizes his mental and physical skills to meet challenges.
4 ) Improving academic achievements
5 ) Improving school attendance: Likewise thinking in self and increased interest in school leads to greater attendance moment school. A program that helps children with their homework also gives the child a much – needed feeling of self – achievement.
6 ) Improved behavior and inter – personal skills Children who attend after school activities handle conflict better and cooperate more hide authority figures.
7 ) Closer family and crowd ties.