By: Natalie Johnson

In today’s digital age, youth face a mental health crisis fueled by the unfiltered, fast-paced content served up by social media. With constant comparisons, fleeting validation, and an overwhelming amount of information coming at them in five-second bursts, today’s youth are struggling with attention spans, anxiety, and social isolation. This constant influx of content is leaving many young people disconnected from the world around them, eroding their ability to focus, engage in meaningful conversations, and form real relationships. For Gary “The Youth Sports Guy” Thrapp, a community leader and youth sports expert, one powerful answer to this growing mental health crisis is clear: positive, structured youth sports that prioritize mentorship and emotional well-being.

The Crisis: Social Media’s Toll on Youth

Gary has spent the last two decades immersed in the world of youth sports as a facility owner, and over time, he’s witnessed firsthand how the rise of social media has contributed to a growing mental health epidemic among kids. “Kids today are growing up in a world where they’re constantly exposed to a curated version of reality,” Gary explains. “Social media gives them 5-second glimpses into someone else’s life, and that breeds anxiety. They’re comparing themselves to influencers, athletes, and people they’ll never meet, which can create a warped sense of self-worth.”

The impact of this digital overload is staggering. Kids are increasingly disconnected from one another, with even basic social skills – like introducing themselves or remembering the name of the person sitting next to them in class – deteriorating. “I’ve seen it in classrooms where kids can’t even tell you the name of the person they’ve been sitting next to for months. They’re so absorbed in their phones and social media, they’ve lost the art of communication,” Gary adds.

A Solution: Positive Youth Sports

For Gary, the solution to this growing issue isn’t a quick fix. It’s about creating a safe space for kids to step away from the digital noise and engage in something real and tangible. “Positive youth sports can be an incredible outlet for kids to disconnect from the pressures of social media,” says Gary. “The challenge is that if sports are done incorrectly, in a negative or high-pressure environment, they can add more stress to an already overwhelmed mind. Done the right way, the game becomes a release, a place to build relationships and life skills, and a healthy channel for their energy and emotions, not another source of pressure.”

Gary’s work with youth sports has shown that these structured environments can have a profound impact on mental health. But he stresses that it’s not enough to simply run the events; the coaching must be approached with intention and care, too.

“Young athletes are all different, and it’s important to tailor your approach to each individual,” Gary explains. “One coach can’t apply the same strategy to every child. You need to listen, observe, and adjust. Some kids need tough love, while others need more patience and encouragement. It’s about understanding where each child is coming from and helping them grow.”

Beyond the Court: Building Confidence and Earning Respect

While Gary’s events provide a structured outlet for young athletes, he also sees the power of sports to foster deeper connections. He’s quick to point out that sports aren’t just about athletic development; they’re about building confidence and respect.

“Meaningful respect is earned through hard work, not through likes on a post or views on a video,” says Gary. “When kids put in the effort, whether it’s on the court or in life, they start to see the value of their actions and gain confidence in themselves. That’s the real value of sports! It teaches them that they’re capable of achieving their goals and earning positive respect through their efforts.”

Gary’s mentorship philosophy centers around this concept of earned respect. He recognizes that, especially in today’s world, young people need more than just praise. They need guidance on how to build themselves up through resilience, perseverance, and teamwork.

“Telling kids they’re doing great is only one part of the story,” Gary adds. “We also need to commit to teaching them how to handle setbacks and how to keep pushing forward. That’s how we equip them to succeed in the real world.”

Tackling Violence Through Community Engagement

Gary also believes that youth sports can serve as a powerful tool for violence prevention. His experience with Beyond The Baseline, his community-focused initiative, has shown that when kids feel connected and supported, they’re less likely to engage in violent behavior. 

“I’ve been involved in anti-violence work for years, and one of the most important things I’ve learned is that kids need to feel like they belong,” Gary says. “When they don’t feel seen, when they don’t feel respected in positive things, like youth sports or school, they look for validation in the wrong places. That’s where violence can start.”

Gary points to a study from Erie, Pennsylvania, which showed that just one hour a week of exposure to positive religious affiliation was enough to reduce youth violence. This speaks to a larger issue: kids need a sense of connection to something greater than themselves, such as a higher power, a team, or a community.

“Sports offer that connection. They give kids a place where they feel valued, where they know they belong,” says Gary. “And while that’s well intentioned, it needs to run deeper than that. We need adults who are willing to do the work – coaches, mentors, community leaders – all of us need to step up and be there for these kids.”

Building Stronger Communities Through Youth Sports

Gary’s approach is deeply rooted in community engagement, which he believes is the key to tackling both the mental health crisis and violence among youth. “You can’t fix these problems in isolation. We need to work together – schools, organizations, parents, and local leaders – to create a supportive environment where kids can thrive.”

For Gary, leadership isn’t about sitting in meetings or writing policies; it’s about showing up, and being present in the lives of young people. “It’s about showing kids that they matter. That they are seen. When we do that, we start to build stronger, more resilient communities,” he says.

A Future Built on Support, Not Social Media

Thrapp’s solution to the growing mental health crisis in youth sports is simple but profound: positive, structured sports programs that focus on mentorship, community, and personal development. By fostering environments where kids can feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of current abilities, we can begin to counter the negative effects of social media and build a healthier, more resilient generation of young people.

As Gary continues to lead high school events and mentor the next generation of athletes, one thing is clear: his work goes beyond sports. He’s committed to changing lives, building communities, and helping kids navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

To learn more about Gary “The Youth Sports Guy” Thrapp and his mission, visit https://www.garythrapp.com/

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional for any concerns related to mental health or youth sports.