Katy O'Brian is a busy teen.

"I'm doing cross country, basketball and softball. And then also, some Saturdays I go and help watch these underprivileged children. I also do Teen Court and some modeling," says the 13-year-old, who attends Craig Middle School.

She is not alone, according to Connie Sivertson, a guidance counselor at Craig for seven years who sees about 500 students every year.

"Over the years, kids have gotten busier and busier," Sivertson says.

One reason, she thinks, is parents' desire to improve their children's chances of obtaining college scholarships and getting into the school of their choice.

But all of these obligations can be a cause of stress for students. "I have students all year long that will come in and say, 'I don't know how I can keep all these balls in the air. I'm struggling to keep my grades up. I've got homework at night, but I don't get home from my practices until 7 o'clock, and then my family expects me to do chores and eat dinner and, you know, have a family life,' " Sivertson says.

But many Craig students think the benefits of extracurricular activities outweigh any stress they cause.

Luke Bielawski, 13, says his activities help him become better at the things he likes to do.

"You can meet people and do something that you want to try to get better at or are (already) pretty good at," he says. Luke plays tennis and volunteers.

Geoff Haskell, 14, is in Boy Scouts, Reading Buddies, Teen Court -- and starring in a movie.

"I believe it can strengthen the mind, strengthen the body and strengthen your self-esteem," he says. "It also gives back to the community. It gives to you as well."

Sivertson agrees extracurricular activities offer many benefits.

"I think for kids, it's an opportunity to fit in, be with different kids, have something to do -- just kind of connect with other people and teachers and have someplace to be after school," she says.

What about grades? Both Sivertson and the students agree that activities actually help children maintain and improve their grades.

Geoff says his grades have improved since last year, when he didn't have as many activities.

Katy has had a similar experience.

"When I started doing more extracurricular activities, I started getting like straight A's."

If students are finding their activities to be so beneficial, is there really anything to worry about?

The students at Craig say there is one thing: homework.

"I don't feel pressured with my activities; I feel pressured with homework and schoolwork," Geoff says.

Another student, Shannon Eaves, 13, agrees.

"The only pressure I have is when I do my homework, and I don't have enough time," says Shannon, who is in gymnastics and cheerleading and also helps Katy baby-sit underprivileged children.

Will Doublestein, 14, admits he could be doing too many activities. "I guess I kinda try and do a lot of extracurricular activities, so a whole lot of times there's just no time for homework," he says.

To combat stress, the students do a variety of things. Shannon, Katy and Geoff like to punch objects. Geoff also lifts weights or talks to his mother. Will claims to run around the outside of the house in his boxers.

While these measures may help alleviate stress, they might not be enough.

"Some kids come in, and they're past that point. They are maybe to a point of being so overwhelmed that they're depressed, that they're withdrawn. Sometimes eating habits or appetites are lost, or there are sleep problems," Sivertson says.

The Craig students acknowledge that they rarely get enough sleep but say it is not a priority. Sleep studies have revealed that the average teenager needs 8.5 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

Most experts agree that sleep deprivation can cause lapses in judgment and emotional and behavioral problems. It also can increase the risk of developing diabetes, cancer and a weak immune system, and can be a detriment to the growth and development of young people.

When a student's sleep begins to be compromised, it's time to give up some responsibilities.

"Parents need to keep an eye on the load that their kid is carrying with school, with athletics, with community and school programs," Sivertson says. "I don't think kids would do better if there were no extracurriculars. You just need to keep some balance."

"We all know today that extracurricular activities can get in the way of your usual, more important activities," agrees Geoff. "But they can also help you in many different ways. They have their pros and cons, as my mother would say."

REPORTER: Amber Patton, 12.