Through the Lens: South African Adolescents' Perceptions of Free-Time, Boredom and Risk

Previous research in the developed world has shown an association between free time boredom and
risk behavior, specifically substance use, sexual risk, and delinquency. However, there has been scant
research in this field in developing countries such as South Africa. Post-apartheid South Africa is a
unique context offering much opportunity for research of this nature. A previous study conducted in
Cape Town, South Africa, revealed leisure boredom was higher among younger adolescents, girls, and
Black adolescents. However, it was clear from this study that a deeper understanding of related issues
among African Black adolescents was needed before effective prevention programs could be developed.
Thus, the aim of this qualitative study was to document adolescents’ experiences during free time and
explore how they perceived boredom to be associated with risk behavior. I specifically focused on those
living in low socio-economic communities with relatively heightened risk for substance use and other
risky behaviors.

Participants (n=32, age 13-20 years) were 15 school-going adolescents and 17 adolescents who had
dropped out of school, living in an economically impoverished community in Cape Town. Visual images
(i.e., photographs taken by the participants) were collected and served to stimulate discussion in three
gender-specific focus groups. The content of these discussions and photos served as data for analysis.

Using constant comparative analysis, four themes emerged: (1) No entry – no exit; (2) Too much
free time, but you have time for yourself; (3) Boredom is dangerous; and (4) Every person must get
bored. Participants perceived they were bored in their free time because they had nothing to do.
The impoverished environment where they lived contributed to deprivation and imbalance in their
free time, trapping the adolescents within the situation and contributing to feelings of boredom.
Much time was spent “hanging out” on street corners or in backyards, which provided some form of
diversion through socialisation, but inevitably led to boredom. The participants perceived boredom as
an everyday occurrence, but it was dangerous because of the association with risk behavior.

This study provides insight into the nature of boredom and the association with risk behavior among a
vulnerable group of South African adolescents. Findings have significant implications for public health
prevention efforts, demonstrating the need for interventions that combat adolescent risk behavior by
addressing boredom and promoting constructive, healthy use of leisure. There are also strong policy
implications regarding the need for appropriate and accessible recreational opportunities and facilities.