Abstract

Problems in the behavior of children and young people develop in the interaction of several different risk and protective factors found both in individuals and their environment. Leisure time is part of an individual’s microsystem and as such has a strong educational and preventive potential. This paper aims to provide an overview of certain theories and recent empirical knowledge about the role of leisure time in modern prevention practice. The paper analyzes the organization and implementation of leisure activities and their impact on children, especially in the part of structured and unstructured activities. Some examples of quality practice from Western countries are given, and Croatian practice in this area is critically reviewed. The aforementioned knowledge is put into relation with modern prevention science and associated empirical results that support the importance of leisure time in prevention interventions.