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@91直播, Dr Sarah MacQuarrie and Dr Alexandra Hennessey uncover 鈥渁 nuanced understanding of how PESSPA can tackle physical, emotional, and social challenges鈥� faced by younger members of society.
The project conducted research across five diverse schools - two secondary, two primary and one alternative provision 鈥� with each the subject of a comprehensive case study.
鈥淐hallenges such as inadequate facilities, socio-economic barriers and gender disparities were found to hinder participation,鈥� MacQuarrie and Hennessey explain. 鈥淵et the study recognised schools鈥� creativity in addressing these issues through tailored programs, community partnerships and student-centred approaches.鈥�
Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face 鈥渦nique challenges鈥� including limited access to appropriate and properly funded facilities. But the authors add: 鈥淚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.鈥�
The study revealed 鈥渃oncerning trends in prolonged sedentary behaviour鈥� with 43% of pupils surveyed found to be spending over four hours daily on screens and 23% engaging in 鈥渆xtended sedentary activities.鈥� Further, 7.2% of pupils reported feeling lonely often or all of the time compared to , with pupil happiness at 6.4 compared to .
鈥淧hysical activity offers a powerful counterbalance to these challenges, enhancing mood, reducing feelings of loneliness,鈥� MacQuarrie and Hennessey argue. 鈥淪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.鈥�
In their article, the academics set out a series of recommendations for policymakers and educators to harness 鈥渢he transformative potential of PESSPA to uplift communities and catalyse generational change.鈥�
These include advice to the Department for Education to 鈥減rioritise safe, versatile and inclusive facilities for all schools.鈥� This could be achieved, they suggest, by launching a consultation to gauge the views of 鈥渆ducators, practitioners and school leaders to build a national picture of how this infrastructure in schools needs to be developed and maintained at scale.鈥�
To embed physical activity in school culture, the Department is encouraged to 鈥渋ntegrate PESSPA across curricula and extracurricular activities, recognising its role in fostering holistic development.鈥� MacQuarrie and Hennessey continue: 鈥淐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.鈥�
To promote equity, they urge policymakers to offer tailored programmes for underserved groups, including girls and children with special educational needs. They add: 鈥淎s the Children鈥檚 Wellbeing and Schools Bill progresses, there is opportunity to embed this into legislation.鈥�
And to tackle sedentary behaviours, the authors advocate 鈥渢he development of policies and programmes to drive awareness regarding screen time and promote active lifestyles that are valued by children and young people.鈥�
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@91直播 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.