PEDAGOŠKI POTENCIJAL SPORTA U PREVENCIJI RIZIČNIH PONAŠANJA
PEDAGOGICAL POTENTIAL OF SPORT IN THE PREVENTION OF RISK BEHAVIOURS

Summary/Abstract: In contemporary society, children and young people are increasingly exposed to various forms of risk behaviors, including substance abuse, violent behavior, delinquency, and the growing prevalence of digital addictions. In this context, sport is widely recognized in scientific and pedagogical literature as an important protective and educational factor that may contribute to the prevention of such behaviors. The aim of this review paper was to systematically analyze and present relevant theoretical and empirical research on the pedagogical potential of sport in preventing risk behaviors among children and youth, with a particular focus on the mechanisms through which sport exerts its influence. The study is grounded in the frameworks of positive youth development, social learning theory and pedagogical approaches to developing personal and social responsibility through sport. The findings indicate that sport can have a significant protective role through several key mechanisms: structuring leisure time, fostering social integration and a sense of belonging, providing positive role models, and promoting the development of life skills such as self-regulation, responsibility, and teamwork. However, the literature also shows that the effects of sport are not inherently positive, as they depend on the quality of pedagogical guidance, type of sport, and organizational climate, with certain contexts potentially encouraging risk behaviors. In conclusion, sport represents an important but conditional pedagogical tool in the prevention of risk behaviors. Its effectiveness depends on well-structured and educationally oriented sport programs that intentionally promote the personal and social development of young people.

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