Final answer:
The claim that recreation as a means to prevent or reduce juvenile delinquency has only been recently promoted is false. False
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that recreation has only recently been promoted as a means of preventing or reducing juvenile delinquency is false. Recreational sports and youth sports programs have long been common in various cultures, particularly in marginalized communities. These programs are seen as deterrents from dangerous activities and potentiators of positive community and youth development. Programs such as the NFL's Play 60 encourage community building and engagement in sports among kids in underrepresented communities. The role of recreation in crime prevention is not a novel idea; for example, the removal of lead from gasoline and subsequent crime reduction demonstrates that factors in the environment affecting youth behavior have been considered in the discourse of crime reduction for decades.
Moreover, concepts such as de-concentrating poverty and improving education and economic conditions are long-standing ideas that have been shown to effectively reduce crimes among youth. Community-based initiatives often incorporate sports and other recreational activities to provide youth with structured environments that channel their energy positively and teach them valuable life skills. Hence, the promotion of recreational activities as a method to combat juvenile delinquency is an established practice.