"Competition is always a good thing. It forces us to do our best. A monopoly renders people complacent and satisfied with mediocrity." – Nancy Pearcy
In a world of participation trophies and overprotective parents, competition is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Naysayers argue that it puts too much pressure on children and leads to elevated stress and anxiety levels. But shouldn’t our youth be exposed to stresses and less-than-ideal situations? Adulthood often presents one problem after another, and kids need to be prepared to face those issues. Advocates for healthy competition feel that it teaches young people to work hard for what they want and to learn the value of winning and losing. As with most everything else in life, moderation is key. A school in Colorado has decided to stop naming a valedictorian, using the argument that learning is not a competition. But isn’t it?
Benefits of Competition
Healthy competition in school can be beneficial in preparing kids for adulthood. Whether children are working hard to be the top athlete, brightest student, or prom queen, they apply their best skills and efforts to achieve the desired result.
Losing is rarely fun, but it is a great motivator to work harder and do better next time. Winning helps to boost self-esteem and confirms the importance of hard work. Learning to win and lose gracefully is a valuable lesson that kids can apply later in life.
Participating in competitive events also helps children expand their comfort zones. Timid or shy kids can discover another side of themselves by joining a team and personal setting goals. The validation that comes with success is immeasurable. Students gain confidence in themselves and often love the rush that accompanies the successful completion of a project or event. The accomplishment leaves them wanting more and instills a drive to excel that may not exist had they not gotten involved.
There are very few clubs or teams that a student can join that don’t include some sort of competition. From math bowls to football games, the whole idea is to go up against others with hopes of winning. One significant upside to student involvement is the time spent preparing and practicing. Allowing kids less free time eliminates many nonproductive and often self-destructive behaviors like drug use and gang involvement.
Downfalls to Competition
On the flip side, and there always is one, there are some potentially harmful effects from engaging in competitive activities. Involvement in school programs is time-consuming and often carries a rigorous schedule. Nightly games and practices leave little time for schoolwork, so many students can fall behind in class. Additionally, a lot of pressure is applied to a child’s ability to consistently perform at their best. For some, the pressure is too much. Stress can cause a child to feel overwhelmed, which has the potential to trigger depression and anxiety. Also, failing is an open door that can lead to feeling less than others or unworthy and can ultimately destroy one’s self-esteem. According to bullying prevention expert Sherri Gordon:
“Those opposed to competition believe that when children are placed in competitive settings, they are often left feeling disappointed, defeated, and bad about themselves. Worse yet, competition can be destructive to self-esteem, especially if kids feel like they do not measure up or that they are not being recognized for their efforts.”
Colorado School District Decides Against Naming Valedictorians
(Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The Cherry Creek School District in Colorado sent a letter to parents announcing the school will no longer be honoring the title of valedictorian for any students. The reasoning was ostensibly that it singles out the best students and that learning should not be a competition. The decision has been met with anger and frustration from parents who feel it diminishes the efforts made by hardworking students.
Kristen Stone, a parent from the Cherry Creek District, said, “It’s not going to fix the stress that we are seeing for other students – plus, it’s taking away from those who want to work towards it.” Many local parents are labeling this change arbitrary and see it as an attempt at becoming a part of the “woke” movement. If rewarding students for their hard work is a bad thing, what motivation will kids have to try?
Read more from Kirsten Brooker.
