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Children training with weights have been taboo in the USA for centuries. I am sure you have heard someone say "weight training stunts growth in children". Some have even commented that weight training is bad for the joints. Yet there is no evidence to support these assumptions. In reality, the risks appear to be far less than in popular sports such as football, running, basketball etc... In the following paragraphs we will look at what real world observations, as well as sports science has to say about children and weight training.
From 1977-1988 ninety high school football players suffered cervical spine injuries, while fifteen players suffered brain damage. How many trainees suffered brain damage due to weight training? Studies done by Orthopedists have not found epiphyseal damage to be any greater in weight-trained children in comparison with non-weight trained children. Studies have shown that children who weight train have higher bone mineral densities. These studies indicate that weight training can be beneficial to the strengthening of bone. Physical education classes are more extensive in Easter European countries than in the USA. In these countries some children begin weight lifting as early as 6 years old. In the first year general conditioning and technique mastery of the clean & jerk and snatch are emphasized. Once a general conditioning base has been established basic strength and technique development exercises are introduced to the program. Over the next 2-3 years the athlete's workout becomes more intense and specialized. Eastern European countries have found children to be significantly healthier when they engage in proper weight training. If the health dangers were as serious as some people claim these countries would not continuously start children on resistance programs at such a young age. The American Society of Pediatrics and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine has cited that weight training can be positive for children. These organizations have stated the need for careful workout planning, practice of proper biomechanics and supervision by a qualified trainer. Children training with weights have shown minimal hypertrophy in response to this stimulus. They have shown significant strength gains which can be contributed to nervous system factors.
 Research has reveled that younger athletes can gain strength with lower intensities than older athletes. High intensity training in youngsters has been shown to be counterproductive to strength gains while at the same time increasing chances of injury. Injuries that occur during weight training are usually due to athletes pushing too hard, or improper technique. Thus, proper supervision is of monumental importance. Training Tips For Children
1) Rarely Attempt Maximum Efforts.
2) Emphasize Proper Technique.
3) Establish Realistic Goals.
4) Pay Close Attention To Overtraining.
6) Individualization Applies To Children Just As It Does Adults.
When training children, pay close attention to the variables mentioned above. Keep in mind their is a possibility for injury when participating in any physical activity. When a young athlete decides to play football, basketball, soccer, or compete in any athletic activity it is important that the parent supports this. Make sure that the young athlete has coaches that are concerned with the well being of the athlete. If the coach supports winning at all costs or train until you puke; find another coach. Proper weight training or participation in any physically challenging activity can enrich a child's life. References
Drechsler, A. (1998) The Weightlifting Encyclopedia A Guide To World Class Performance. A Is A Communications. Thanks,
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As we said earlier other activities have shown higher incidents of injury than weight training. Biomechanical research has shown that activities such as throwing, running and hitting impose larger forces on the body than weight training. These activities have been shown to place heavier stress on the growth plates of growing bones than weight training. To minimize the potential for growth plate damage, closer attention should be given to the above-mentioned activities. I find it hard to believe that parents do not have a problem with their children playing football, but are scared to death for their kid to touch a weight.
5) Young Athletes Need Proper Supervision. 
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