Jun 12, 2019
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/nnW6s-HjVxM
A study from Switzerland’s University of Geneva pinpoints time of entry into high school as the watershed when teens increasing shun healthy physical activity in favor of increasingly sedentary pursuits. This trend is likely responsible for our current child obesity epidemic as well as the recently reported statistic that kids’ cardio-respiratory capacities are 25% lower now than they were 20 years ago.
The investigators followed 1200 Swiss pupils from ages 8 through 12 years and clocked their actual physical activity as well as their attitudes and motivations. The results show that at age 9 on average children’s interest in physical play is replaced by escalating concerns about grades and social acceptance. Adding to that is the ever-increasing screen time that robs hours from physical activity.
The researchers call for more phys-ed teaching and more compulsory PE classes. I’d agree with that, but the classes need to creatively impart information about lifelong body care and the incorporation of everyday exercise into the growing child’s life. Let’s not stop at just stranger danger.
Kid’s need to get off their school buses and walk more, run up and down the school stairs rather than drag themselves along, and engage in physical activities while they gossip at recess.
Motivation toward physical activity can’t stop in school. You parents need to continue it at home, and teen centers must emphasize physical activities such as dancing and community clean ups rather than sedentary board games.
Teach kids that their bodies follow the universal use it or lose it rule.
Julien Chanal, Boris Cheval, Delphine S. Courvoisier, Delphine Paumier. Developmental relations between motivation types and physical activity in elementary school children. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2019; 43: 233 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.03.006
#teens #activity #obesity #exercise