Physical activity is critical for children's happiness, study finds
PE, school sports and physical activity (PESSPA) are critical tools in fostering healthier, happier and more resilient children and young people, concluded a recent who have included it in their new
In an article summarising their findings published by Policy@Manchester, Dr Sarah MacQuarrie and Dr Alexandra Hennessey uncover 青瓜视频渁 nuanced understanding of how PESSPA can tackle physical, emotional, and social challenges青瓜视频� faced by younger members of society.
The project conducted research across five diverse schools - two secondary, two primary and one alternative provision 青瓜视频� with each the subject of a comprehensive case study.
青瓜视频淐hallenges such as inadequate facilities, socio-economic barriers and gender disparities were found to hinder participation,青瓜视频� MacQuarrie and Hennessey explain. 青瓜视频淵et the study recognised schools青瓜视频� creativity in addressing these issues through tailored programs, community partnerships and student-centred approaches.青瓜视频�
Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face 青瓜视频渦nique challenges青瓜视频� including limited access to appropriate and properly funded facilities. But the authors add: 青瓜视频淚nclusive practices - such as adapting sports to accommodate diverse abilities - demonstrate the potential for PESSPA to serve as a vital bridge in reducing inequities and promoting inclusive practice.青瓜视频�
The study revealed 青瓜视频渃oncerning trends in prolonged sedentary behaviour青瓜视频� with 43% of pupils surveyed found to be spending over four hours daily on screens and 23% engaging in 青瓜视频渆xtended sedentary activities.青瓜视频� Further, 7.2% of pupils reported feeling lonely often or all of the time compared to , with pupil happiness at 6.4 compared to .
青瓜视频淧hysical activity offers a powerful counterbalance to these challenges, enhancing mood, reducing feelings of loneliness,青瓜视频� MacQuarrie and Hennessey argue. 青瓜视频淪chools should actively address concerns by integrating engaging, movement-based activities into daily routines. Programmes that emphasise the fun and social aspects and create comfortable and accessible opportunities for physical activity can shift behaviours and cultivate healthier lifestyle patterns among students.青瓜视频�
In their article, the academics set out a series of recommendations for policymakers and educators to harness 青瓜视频渢he transformative potential of PESSPA to uplift communities and catalyse generational change.青瓜视频�
These include advice to the Department for Education to 青瓜视频減rioritise safe, versatile and inclusive facilities for all schools.青瓜视频� This could be achieved, they suggest, by launching a consultation to gauge the views of 青瓜视频渆ducators, practitioners and school leaders to build a national picture of how this infrastructure in schools needs to be developed and maintained at scale.青瓜视频�
To embed physical activity in school culture, the Department is encouraged to 青瓜视频渋ntegrate PESSPA across curricula and extracurricular activities, recognising its role in fostering holistic development.青瓜视频� MacQuarrie and Hennessey continue: 青瓜视频淐ommunity assets can also be leveraged here, and local authorities should support schools to strengthen partnerships with local sports organisations to enhance reach and impact.青瓜视频�
To promote equity, they urge policymakers to offer tailored programmes for underserved groups, including girls and children with special educational needs. They add: 青瓜视频淎s the Children青瓜视频檚 Wellbeing and Schools Bill progresses, there is opportunity to embed this into legislation.青瓜视频�
And to tackle sedentary behaviours, the authors advocate 青瓜视频渢he development of policies and programmes to drive awareness regarding screen time and promote active lifestyles that are valued by children and young people.青瓜视频�
Our research findings in collaboration with Youth Sport Trust demonstrate how equipping educators and empowering youth hinges on a collective commitment to champion PESSPA as a cornerstone of education and wellbeing. By embedding physical activity at the heart of school life, we can inspire a generation to thrive physically, mentally and socially.
by Dr Sarah MacQuarrie and Dr Alexandra Hennessey is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website. It was included in the Youth Sport Trust's recent , along with which identified locations across England where access to play and sport need more support and encouragement.